Flag of Palau
Palau Flag Meaning
The yellow circle is a symbol of the moon. The full moon is traditionally said to be the best time to sow, fish and even hold weddings. It also stands for peace, tranquility and love. The light blue color of the flag represents the country’s independence and is also seen as a connection to the flag of the Federated States of Micronesia and the UN flag.
Palau formerly belonged to the Federated States of Micronesia, formerly part of the United States Pacific Protectorate. When the federated states of Micronesia were formed and became independent in 1978, Palau chose to stay out. Their flag was adopted on January 1, 1981 in connection with their becoming a republic. Palau did not reach independence until 1994.
Palau Overview
| Population | 19,000 |
| Currency | |
| Area | 459 km2 |
| Capital city | Koror |
| Population density | 41.3 residents/km2 |
Palau consists of about 350 islands spread over an area of 494 km2. A coral reef to the west forms a large lagoon with many smaller islands in its center. The coral and fish life of this lagoon is considered to be the world’s most lush with 1,500 different species of tropical fish and 700 different corals and sea anemones.
The People: The majority of the population is of Polynesian origin. Palau’s indigenous population (83.2%); Filipinos (9.8%); micronesians (2.9%); Chinese (1.2%); “White” (0.8%); others (3%).
Religion: No official religion. Catholics (40.7%), Protestants (24.7%), traditional faith (27.1%), others (7.5%).
Languages: English, Palau, Sonsoral, Tobi, Anguar.
Political parties: The Coalition for an Open, Honest and Fair Government opposes the proliferation of nuclear weapons and toxic chemical waste in the region, and goes against the country’s “free associated state” status with the United States. Palaus Party, in turn, supports the association with the United States.
Official Name: Republic of Palau. Belu`u is in Belau
Administrative division: 16 states
Capital: Ngerulmud
Government: Tommy Remengesau has been President since January 2013. Parliament has two chambers: the House of Representatives with 16 seats and the Senate with 9.
National Day: July 9 (Constitution Day, 1979); October 1 (Independence, 1994)
Armed Forces: The United States is in charge of the country’s defense