Republic of Palau
Country Profile
Located in the western Pacific Micronesia archipelago, between 2°N to 8°N and 131°E to 135°E, the country comprises eight main islands and roughly 340 islets. Its total land area is about 191 square miles, and the capital, Ngerulmud, is situated in Melekeok. Located at a transportation nexus between the Philippines and Guam, Palau holds an important strategic location for the U.S. The country has a tropical oceanic climate, with an average annual temperature of around 27°C and yearly rainfall ranging from 3,100 to 3,700 mm. The population, totaling approximately 20,000, including around 6,000 foreign workers, is largely concentrated in Koror. The people are of Micronesian descent. Major religions include Catholicism and Christianity, along with the traditional belief system, Modekngei. The official languages are Palauan and English.
Development Overview
The Republic of Palau officially declared independence on October 1, 1994. Tourism forms the backbone of Palau’s economy, accounting for roughly 40% of GDP, while an additional 35% relies on the U.S. Compact of Free Association and international aid. GDP levels are relatively high compared with other Pacific island nations, with a per capita income exceeding USD14,500. The service sector accounts for 80% of the economy, construction makes up 9%, and agriculture is primarily subsistence-based. Due to emphasis on environmental protection, manufacturing is practically nonexistent. COVID-19 led to a drop of nearly 25% in GDP, prompting the government to initiate the “Blue Prosperity Plan” focusing on the blue economy and digital financial services. Palau has graduated from the OECD recipient program and is now recognized as a high-income country by the World Bank. The society places a strong focus on environmental conservation and traditional heritage, functioning as a matriarchal community where the status of chiefs and queens is held in high esteem. Of the 20,000 residents, 70% live in Koror; the 6,000 foreign laborers primarily come from the Philippines, Micronesia, and Bangladesh. Major religions are Catholicism and Christianity.
Competition Event and Participants
- Traditional Archery: Individual Event－Open Men’s Division (2 Participants) /Individual Event－Open Women’s Division (2 Participants)
- Traditional Music and Dance: Group Event－Open Mixed Division (9 Participants)
- Log Sawing: Group Event－Open Mixed Division (4 Participants)
- Traditional Tug-of-War: Group Event－Open Mixed Division (20 Participants)
- Traditional Wrestling: Individual Event－Men’s Division 70kg and Above (2 Participants)
- Net Casting: Group Event－Open Mixed Division (4 Participants)
- Traditional Canoe Racing: Individual Event－Open Men’s Division (2 Participants)
- Traditional Road Running: Individual Event－Open Men’s Division (2 Participants) /Individual Event－Open Women’s Division (2 Participants)
- Weight Carrying: Group Event－Open Mixed Division (4 Participants)
- Freediving Sprint: Individual Event－Open Men’s Division (2 Participants) /Individual Event－Open Women’s Division (2 Participants)