Palau
Republic of Palau
Population
18K
GDP
$260M
Capital
Ngerulmud
Government
Unitary presidential republic
At a Glance
Human Development
0.8
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
7.9
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
Palau is a small archipelagic nation in the western Pacific with a Compact of Free Association with the United States. It is a global leader in marine conservation, having declared 80% of its exclusive economic zone as a marine sanctuary -- one of the largest in the world.
Palau has consistently maintained diplomatic recognition of Taiwan and has been one of the most reliably pro-US voting states in the UN General Assembly. Its strategic location in the western Pacific, near the Philippines and Guam, has attracted increased US military interest amid China competition.
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As Palau, lead with ocean conservation and marine sanctuary expertise -- your 80% EEZ sanctuary is a model for the world. Your Palau Pledge for tourists is a creative governance innovation worth sharing.
Maintain Taiwan recognition and coordinate with other COFA states. Push for ambitious ocean governance targets in international negotiations. Coordinate with AOSIS on climate and with the Pacific Islands Forum on regional issues. Your small size is an advantage -- you can be nimble, principled, and morally authoritative.
Foreign Policy
Palau's foreign policy is firmly anchored in the US COFA relationship and Taiwan recognition. It is a leader in ocean conservation diplomacy, having pioneered shark sanctuary legislation and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.
The country has become increasingly important in US Indo-Pacific strategy, with plans for new military infrastructure. Palau also leads on sustainable tourism policy, having introduced a 'Palau Pledge' requiring visitors to sign an environmental commitment.