KNOW THY NEIGHBOUR: PALAU

Where is Palau?

The Republic of Palau is a microstate and archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean.

Part of Micronesia, it sits north of the equator above Papua New Guinea, northeast of Indonesia and southeast of the Philippines. Palau gained its independence in 1994 as a presidential republic under a Compact of Free Association with the US, with the Americans providing defence, funding and other services. Its capital, Ngerulmud, is on Babeldaob Island and the largest town, Koror, is on adjacent Koror Island. The islands are connected by a bridge.

What languages do they speak?

Palau’s official national languages are Palauan and English, with Sonsorolese and Tobian as official regional languages. Many Palauans are also proficient in Japanese.

What’s there for visitors?

In a tropical archipelago with over 300 limestone and volcanic islands it’s not surprising that world-class snorkelling and diving are among the top attractions. The marine life that has been described as like an underwater Serengeti. For military history buffs, many World War 2 relics remain scattered through the jungle. The Peleliu World War 2 Memorial Museum honours one of the war’s bloodiest battles anywhere, the 1944 engagement in which around 2000 Americans and 10,000 Japanese died.

What makes the economy tick?

With a population of 18,000, Palau’s economy focuses mostly on tourism and government employment, along with subsistence agriculture and fishing.

What is the currency?

Palau’s currency is the US dollar.

What are the highlights?

The enigmatic Badrulchau Stone Monoliths of northern Babeldaob Island have been called the Easter Island of Micronesia. These squat basalt pillars, weighing up to five tonnes, are almost 2000 years old. While their origins are unknown, 28 of the 52 monoliths are carved with human faces. Or, for something truly different, at Jellyfish Lake, on Eil Malk Island, visitors can swim with millions of non-stinging jellyfish.

Anything unusual?

Yes, plenty. In 1981, Palau adopted the world’s first nuclear-free constitution. In 2009, it announced the world’s first shark sanctuary. In 2017, Palau established an eco-

‘Know Thy Neighbour’ is a column that puts the focus on a country near Papua New Guinea.

Air Niugini has launched weekly flights to Palau. See airniugini.com.pg.

Time Traveller

Port Moresby Harbour, 1969

This view looking over Champion Parade and Stanley Esplanade shows the busy downtown area of Port Moresby in 1969. The main T-wharf hosted larger vessels, while the rest of the foreshore consisted of wharves and jetties for smaller fishing boats. The once busy shipping foreshore has now been reclaimed and consists of the Harbourside East and West office towers, while the low-rise buildings on each side of Champion Parade have been replaced by distinctly taller buildings.

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