I.

Introduction

Palau, officially Republic of Palau, republic in the western Pacific Ocean, made up of about 200 of the Caroline Islands. The group includes the islands of Koror (known locally as Oreor; the administrative centre), Babelthuap (the largest island, 137 sq km/53 sq mi), Arakabesan, Malakal, and Peleliu, totalling about 488 sq km (188 sq mi) in land area, and spread in a chain about 650 km (400 mi) long. The islands are of mixed formation: some of volcanic origin, some coral. The highest point is 628 m (2,061 ft) on Koror. The capital is currently on Koror, but a new capital is being built in eastern Babelthuap at Melkeok. The inhabitants are of mixed Malay, Melanesian, Filipino, and Polynesian descent. Palauan, an Austronesian language, and English are the official languages. Palauan is a mother tongue for the majority of inhabitants. Palau has a population of 21,093 (2008 estimate), giving an average density of 46 people per sq km (119 per sq mi). Life expectancy in 2008 was 71 years. The waters around Palau contain dugongs, salt water crocodiles, and rare jellyfish and giant clams (Tridacna), as well as over 1,500 species of fish. The underwater environment of Palau is highly regarded and marine-based tourism is expanding. The Palau government has taken steps to conserve and protect its rich marine environment. The many rock islands known as the Floating Garden Islands are a noted reserve in the lagoon to the west of the main group of islands. It is here that the endangered dugong is found. Tropical rainforest covers much of the islands, but there are mangroves and even areas of savannah. Many Palauans have opposed the United States military presence (since World War II), particularly its efforts to establish nuclear plants. The Palau constitution bans nuclear weapons.