| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | PWISO 3166 [2024] |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | PLWISO 3166 [2024] |
| Capital | MelekeokGeoNames [2024] |
| Continent | OceaniaGeoNames [2024] |
| Common name | PalauCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Official name | Republic of PalauCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Local name | BelauCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Etymology | from the Palauan name for the islands, Belau, which likely derives from the Palauan word beluu, meaning "village"CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Government type | presidential republic in free association with the USCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Independence | 1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National holiday | Constitution Day, 9 July (1981); Independence Day, 1 October (1994)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Head of state | Surangel WHIPPS, Jr. (Pres.)CIA World Leaders [2025] |
| Currency code (ISO 4217) | USDISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Currency | US DollarISO 4217 Currency Codes [2026] |
| Administrative subdivisions | 16ISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Subdivision names | Aimeliik / Airai / Angaur / Hatohobei / Kayangel / Koror / Melekeok / Ngaraard / Ngarchelong / Ngardmau / Ngatpang / Ngchesar / Ngeremlengui / Ngiwal / Peleliu / SonsorolISO 3166-2 Subdivisions [2026] |
| Historical overview | No authoritative open source found |
| National symbols | bai (native meeting house)CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National anthem | title: "Belau rekid" (Our Palau); lyrics/music: multiple/Ymesei O. EZEKIEL; history: adopted 1980CIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| National colors | blue, yellowCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
| Citizenship rules | citizenship by birth: no; citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Palau; dual citizenship recognized: no; residency requirement for naturalization: note - no procedure for naturalizationCIA World Factbook [2025] · 2026 archive |
from the Palauan name for the islands, Belau, which likely derives from the Palauan word beluu , meaning "village"
description: light blue with a large yellow disk to the left side meaning: blue stands for the ocean, and the disk for the moon, which is considered a symbol of peace, love, and tranquility
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
