COUNTRY PROFILE

Palau Flag, Capital and Country Facts

Palau is located in the western Pacific Ocean and geographically belongs to Micronesia. High volcanic islands, coral limestone islands and lagoons form different habitats. The flag shows a yellow moon on a light blue background. Ngerulmud is the political headquarters, while Koror, as a former capital center, continues to play an important role in everyday island life.

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Palau Flag: Meaning & Country Facts · supplied learning collection

Palau at a glance

Capital: Ngerulmud
Quiz continent: Oceania
Languages in reference record: Palauic and English; additional local regulations in individual states
Currency: US dollar (USD)
Population: 17,663 (2025, World Bank)
Area: 459 km²
Coastal setting: Not landlocked
ISO codes: PW / PLW
Internet country suffix: .pw

Independence: 1 October 1994
The seat of government since: 2006 in Ngerulmud
Largest island: Babeldaob
Former capital: Koror
State breakdown: 16 States
Flag motif: Full moon

Palau Flag: Design, Meaning and History

A large yellow circle lies on a light blue background and is slightly offset to the pole side. There are no stars, letters or borders. Although the motif can be reminiscent of other circular flags, it represents the moon here. The light blue background and the yellow instead of red circle distinguish Palau clearly from Japan and Bangladesh.

The full moon has a special significance in palauic symbolism as an opportune time for community activities. It is associated with peace and tranquility. Blue refers to the sea. The flag was adopted in 1981, i.e. already before the state independence in 1994. Their simple form condenses a specific island tradition and is not just a general sun symbol.

Capital: Ngerulmud

Ngerulmud is located on Babeldaob in Melekeok State. The seat of government was moved here from Koror in 2006. The capital is mainly known for its administrative district and not a large conurbation. The name Melekeok can therefore appear in older or simplified representations, but does not denote exactly the same level as Ngerulmud.

Koror, despite the relocation, remained the most important urban and economic center. This difference shows particularly clearly that capital status and population or economic focus do not have to coincide. For the quiz, Ngerulmud is the unequivocal capital answer; Koror’s meaning merely explains why travelers and older sources often call this name first.

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Palau: Geography, History and Culture

Babeldaob is the largest island and has a higher, hilly relief. The famous Rock Islands, on the other hand, consist of forested limestone islands in a lagoon landscape. Reefs divide the coastal and marine spaces. The state area thus comprises different types of islands, which differ in terms of soil, water and human use. The local lagoons and the open sea form very different areas of life and transport.

Palauic is an independent Austronesian language, English is also important for administration and international contacts. Additional linguistic regulations apply in individual states. A national shortlist therefore does not reflect every local specificity. Seafaring and connections to other Micronesian islands are part of the history as well as European, Japanese and American phases of rule.

Independence from the U.S.-administered trust territory came in 1994. Palau is linked to the United States by a free association agreement. The factbook archive stand of 2025 describes tourism and public services as important economic sectors. The economic use of the marine landscape and its protection are closely related, but should not be confused with a blanket idea of totally untouched islands.

Rock Islands Southern Lagoon

The southern Rock Islands lagoon is a mixed UNESCO World Heritage site. The entry combines ecological values with traces of human use.

Stone money connections

Palau’s UNESCO list of proposals includes quarries for yapic stone money. They point to historical connections to Yap beyond today’s state borders.

New capital

The move to Ngerulmud shows the difference between a planned seat of government and a grown trading city. Koror remained significant despite the political change.