PALAU AT A GLANCE

UNFPA Country Classification: C

Population: 19,129
Population Growth Rate: 2.1%
Land area: 488 km2
GDP per capita: US$ 5,950

The Republic of Palau consists of 8 main islands and more than 250 smaller ones. Palau has an EEZ of 600,900 km 2 and its indigenous people are Micronesians with Melanesian and Malayan elements. The country is divided into 16 states. Palauans make up 70% of the population while Asians make up 28%. About 70% of the population lives in the capital city of Koror, on the island of Koror. A new capital is being built on Badeldaob, the larger island to the north of Koror.

Palau is a “developed” country by Pacific standards. It has a universal health care system that requires modest co-payments by users. Palau is served by a secondary and tertiary care level hospital, 5 major government-run clinics and remote stations providing basic primary health care. Infant and childhood immunization rates are 95% or better and neonatal mortality is virtually zero. Palau also has a thriving private medical sector. Education is compulsory until age 16 and follows the American system from grade 1 to 12. The ratio of girls to boys in secondary school is lower than desirable.

Because of its “Compact of Free Association” with the USA Palau has one of the highest GDPs in the Pacific. Under the Compact, Palau will receive $450 million in assistance over 15 years. Low volume tourism and retail dominate the economy, contributing more than 80% of GDP and employing 75% of the workforce. The commercial fishing industry has potential for growth. Infrastructure in Palau is very well developed. Palau’s other development partners are Japan and the Republic of China-Taiwan.

Because of its stability, infrastructure and organisation Palau has met most of the ICPD goals and will achieve the MDGs by 2015.

Key indicators on reproductive health, population and development and gender