Alii! Welcome to the pristine archipelago of the Pacific—Palau, an island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean within the region of Micronesia. There are around 18,000 people living here, and while the capital is Ngerulmud (the least populous capital city in the world), the largest town and commercial center is Koror. The official languages are Palauan and English, though Japanese and various Philippine languages are also heard.

Palau covers about 459 square kilometers (177 square miles). The country is roughly two-and-a-half times the size of Washington, D.C., or about the same size as the island of Andorra. It consists of over 300 islands, many of which are uninhabited, nestled within a massive, crystal-clear lagoon.

The most popular sports are Baseball, which was introduced during the Japanese administration, and Basketball. Their national animal is the Fruit Bat, which is not only a symbol of the islands but also a local delicacy.

The flag consists of a light blue field with a golden-yellow disk set slightly off-center toward the hoist, where the blue represents the Pacific Ocean and the golden disk represents the full moon, which signifies peace, love, and tranquility.

The food is a tropical fusion of Pacific, Japanese, and Filipino influences. You must try Ube, a sweet purple yam used in many desserts. Fresh seafood is the star of the show, particularly Grilled Reef Fish and Crab. A traditional staple is Papiya (papaya) salad or taro, which is grown in communal patches. For a unique experience, many visitors try Fruit Bat Soup, which is a significant part of Palauan culinary tradition.

Palau is home to Jellyfish Lake, a marine lake where millions of golden jellyfish have lost their ability to sting over thousands of years, allowing you to swim among them. The country features the Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site of mushroom-shaped limestone formations draped in thick green foliage. For divers, the Blue Corner is one of the most famous dive sites in the world, known for its incredible shark populations and strong currents. Interestingly, Palau was the first nation in the world to change its immigration laws for environmental protection—visitors must sign the Palau Pledge, a promise to the children of Palau to “tread lightly” and preserve the island’s beauty.

From the ancient stone monoliths of Badrulchau to the vibrant coral reefs of the seventy islands, Palau is a world leader in conservation and a paradise for nature lovers. Sulang! That means “Thank you!”