Palau

Early inhabitants were Micronesians (Malay, Melanesian, and Polynesian); Spanish visited islands in 1543, retained control until they were sold to Germany 1899; after WW II, became part of US Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; languages are English, Palaun (related to Indonesian), and Sonsorolese-Tobian.

Quick Facts on Palau

Go Historic ID
36579
Names
Palau
Location
Categories
Population
21,613 (#218 in world) (2021 est.)
Languages
Palauan (official on most islands) 65.2%, other Micronesian 1.9%, English (official) 19.1%, Filipino 9.9%, Chinese 1.2%, other 2.8% (2015 est.)
Ethnic Groups
Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 73%, Carolinian 2%, Asian 21.7%, caucasian 1.2%, other 2.1% (2015 est.)
Religions
Roman Catholic 45.3%, Protestant 34.9% (includes Evangelical 26.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.9%, Assembly of God .9%, Baptist .7%), Modekngei 5.7% (indigenous to Palau), Muslim 3%, Mormon 1.5%, other 9.7% (2015 est.)