What is the Capital of Palau? Ngerulmud

Capital City of Palau: Ngerulmud

City Overview

Ngerulmud is the capital city of Palau, a small island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is situated on the island of Babeldaob, the largest island in the Palauan archipelago. Ngerulmud is a relatively new capital, having officially become the seat of government in 2006. Before Ngerulmud, the capital of Palau was Koror, which remains the country’s largest city and economic center.

Ngerulmud’s selection as the capital was part of a decision to decentralize government functions and relieve the pressure on the more populous city of Koror. The city is located inland on the northern part of Babeldaob and is noted for its beautiful landscapes, lush greenery, and tropical climate. The area is also known for its natural resources, including freshwater lakes, rivers, and forests.

The capital is home to the central government buildings, including the Palau National Congress, the Palau Judiciary, and the Executive Office of the President. Ngerulmud is a small but significant city that serves as the administrative, political, and legal center of the country.

City Facts

• Area: Approximately 8.5 km² (3.3 square miles)
• Population: Around 400-500 people (estimated population)
• Time Zone: Palau Time (UTC+9), which is the same time zone as Japan and Korea.
• Highest Mountain: Mount Ngerchelchuus, with an elevation of 242 meters (794 feet), located on Babeldaob.
• Longest River: The Ngerdorch River, which is the longest river in Palau, flowing through Babeldaob.

Major Landmarks in Ngerulmud

Though Ngerulmud is a small and relatively young city, it boasts a few notable landmarks and locations that represent Palau’s culture, government, and natural beauty.

1. Palau National Congress: This is the legislative body of Palau and the primary institution of the country’s government. The Congress Building is located in Ngerulmud and serves as the heart of Palau’s democratic processes. It is a modern building with an interesting design that incorporates elements of Palauan culture. The National Congress building is surrounded by a lush, tropical landscape.
2. Ngerulmud Administrative Complex: This complex houses various government offices, including the Executive Office of the President. The building’s architecture reflects both modern design and traditional Palauan influences, with attention paid to environmental sustainability.
3. Babeldaob’s Natural Beauty: While Ngerulmud itself is a small city, it is surrounded by the natural beauty of Babeldaob Island, which is rich in rainforests, rivers, and mountains. Visitors to the area can explore the Ngardmau Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Palau, and enjoy hiking through the island’s jungle trails.
4. The Belau National Museum: Located in Koror, not far from Ngerulmud, the Belau National Museum offers an insight into the country’s history, culture, and traditions. While it is not directly in Ngerulmud, it is a key landmark for understanding Palauan heritage.
5. Ngercheu Island: A small island located close to Ngerulmud, Ngercheu Island is known for its natural beauty and is often a quiet retreat for locals. It is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and enjoying Palau’s marine life.
6. Ngerulmud Bridge: Connecting the capital to the rest of Babeldaob, this bridge is an important infrastructure development that facilitates transport within the country. The bridge is a feat of modern engineering in a country with a challenging geography of islands and waterways.

Climate Overview

Ngerulmud, like the rest of Palau, enjoys a tropical rainforest climate. The city experiences warm temperatures year-round, with significant rainfall, especially during the monsoon season. The tropical weather makes it a year-round destination for eco-tourism, but the city can also be prone to tropical storms and cyclones.

Climate Data for Ngerulmud

Month	Avg Temperature (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	27	310	10
February	27	250	11
March	28	220	12
April	28	200	13
May	29	190	12
June	29	160	14
July	29	210	13
August	29	250	12
September	28	270	10
October	28	300	9
November	28	320	10
December	27	310	11

Other Capitals in Palau’s History

Koror was the capital of Palau until 2006, when Ngerulmud became the official capital. Koror remains the largest city and the commercial and industrial heart of Palau. However, its position on an island with limited space led to the decision to move the administrative functions to Ngerulmud.

Koror (1947–2006)

Before Ngerulmud became the capital, Koror served as the political and economic center of Palau. Koror is the most populous city in Palau, home to many of the nation’s businesses, services, and government buildings. It is also a key port city, offering direct access to the ocean for trade and transportation. Koror is renowned for its scenic coastline, tourist attractions like Rock Islands, and marine biodiversity, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.

Country Facts

Palau is a small island country in the Pacific Ocean, located east of the Philippines and north of Papua New Guinea. The country is part of the Micronesian region and consists of more than 300 islands, with the majority of the population living on the islands of Babeldaob, Koror, and Peleliu.

• Population: Approximately 18,000 (2023 estimate)
• Area: 459 km² (177 square miles)
• Capital: Ngerulmud
• Largest City: Koror
• Currency: United States Dollar (USD) – Palau uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.
• Official Language: Palauan and English
• ISO Country Codes: PW (Alpha-2), PLW (Alpha-3), 585 (Numeric)
• Government: Palau is a presidential republic with a president serving as both the head of state and government. It has a bicameral legislature and a judiciary that operates independently of the executive branch.
• Religion: The majority of Palauans are Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination. There are also smaller populations of Protestants and Adventists.

Additional Information

• Economy: Palau’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, fishing, and agriculture. The country is known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life, attracting divers and eco-tourists from around the world.
• Natural Resources: Palau is rich in marine resources, including fish and seaweed, as well as tropical hardwoods. The country has also developed a reputation for conservation and sustainable environmental practices, particularly concerning the protection of its coral reefs and endangered species.
• Geography: The country is made up of a series of volcanic islands, most of which are surrounded by coral reefs. Palau is renowned for its Rock Islands, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major attraction for eco-tourists.

Ngerulmud, though a young capital city, represents the modern aspirations of Palau while preserving the natural beauty that the nation is known for. As a small but growing political and administrative center, Ngerulmud provides a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. With its tropical climate, lush landscapes, and commitment to environmental sustainability, it serves as a reminder of Palau’s rich heritage and bright future.