Republic of Palau
Capital
Ngerulmud
Region
Oceania
Population
16,733
Area (km²)
459
Palau is a small island nation in Oceania, consisting of over 300 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, with a total area of just 459 km² and a population of around 16,733. Its capital, Ngerulmud, is one of the world's least populous, and the country boasts stunning marine biodiversity, including UNESCO-listed Rock Islands and jellyfish lakes that draw eco-tourists. While GDP data is unavailable, Palau's economy thrives on tourism, fishing, and U.S. aid through its Compact of Free Association.
Palau exhibits a remarkably high GDP per capita, placing it firmly in the high-income category globally. This figure ($15,610) is significantly higher than many larger developing nations, driven primarily by tourism and foreign aid/compact funds.
The country is grappling with extremely high inflation, reaching 12.820% in 2023. This level of price increase poses a significant threat to the purchasing power and economic stability of its small population, likely exacerbated by global supply chain issues and high import dependency.
Palau has achieved universal access to electricity, with 100% of the population connected. This is a remarkable infrastructure achievement for a small, geographically dispersed island nation, indicating successful development planning and investment in utilities.
Despite its small land area and population, Palau is highly urbanized, with nearly 80% of its residents living in urban centers. This concentration suggests significant internal migration toward administrative or economic hubs, typical of small island states.
GDP (Current US$)
$276.73M
Year: 2023
GDP Per Capita
$15,610.82
GDP Growth (%)
2.22%
Inflation (%)
12.82%
Unemployment (%)
N/A%
Debt to GDP (%)
N/A%
Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025
Wikipedia
Comprehensive encyclopedia article
Grokipedia
AI-powered encyclopedia search
Google Search
Latest news and information
Google News
Latest news coverage for Palau
CIA World Factbook
Official intelligence data
BBC News
Trusted news and analysis
UN Data
Official United Nations statistics
World Bank Data
Economic and development indicators