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Geography and Environment of Palau
Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Palau.
Overview
The Republic of Palau consists of over 300 islands (9 of which are inhabited) divided into 16 states. Formerly known as the Western Caroline Islands, the Palauan chain stretches about 400 miles from a north latitude of 7 degrees and 20 minutes to a southwestern latitude of 3 degrees and 30 minutes. Palau is 550 miles directly east of the Philippine island of Mindanao. Guam is 815 miles to the northeast and Hawaii is 4,600 miles east. The total land area is 188 square miles. Approximately 78% of this is the island of Babeldaob, the second largest island in the Micronesian Pacific after Guam. Geologically, Palau varies from Kayangel atoll in the north, to islands of volcanic origin in the center and the famous limestone "Rock Islands" further south. Over 350 miles from Koror to the south are the seldom visited, sparsely populated "Southwest" islands. Koror is spread over three islands connected by causeways and bridges. A recently constructed 412 meter suspension bridge connects Koror to Babeldaob where the international airport is located. Much of the coastline around Koror is mangrove forest, and there are no natural sand beaches in Koror. Babeldaob, Koror, and the Rock Islands are protected by an outer reef several miles from shore. South of the Rock Islands are the populated islands of Peleliu and Angaur, sites of intensive fighting during World War II.
Detailed geography
Physical Features
- Terrain
- varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs
- Climate
- Palau has a tropical climate with annual rainfall of about 150 inches. The climate tends to be drier during El Nino years. Rain falls throughout the year, though January through March are usually the driest months. Palau is outside the normal typhoon track, but from June to November a tropical storm can settle over the country and dump heavy amounts of rain for several days. The temperature averages range from a high of 87 degrees to a low of 77 degrees year round. Humidity is high, ranging from 86% to 91%, and non-air conditioned environments can get moldy. Air quality is excellent and free of pollutants.
- Highest Point
- 242 — Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m
- Lowest Point
- Pacific Ocean 0 m
Borders and Area
- Area (Comparative)
- slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Natural Resources and Hazards
- Natural Resources
- Forests, marine products, and deep-seabed minerals form the foundation of Palau's natural resource base. The country's rich coral reef ecosystems support a diverse array of marine life, making fisheries and marine resources central to both the local economy and food security. Palau's exclusive economic zone spans a vast area of the Pacific Ocean, offering significant potential for sustainable fishing and marine-based industries. Deep-seabed minerals, including manganese nodules and polymetallic deposits, represent a longer-term frontier resource, though commercial extraction remains limited. Terrestrial resources include tropical forests and modest mineral deposits, with gold historically noted among them, though large-scale mining activity is minimal. Palau has increasingly prioritized environmental conservation over resource extraction, with marine protected areas covering a significant portion of its waters, reflecting the country's commitment to sustainable management of its natural assets.
- Natural Hazards
- typhoons (June to December)
Environment and Land Use
- Current Environmental Issues
- inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing practices, and overfishing
- International Agreements
- party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements