PEOPLE
The Republic of Palau consists of eight principal islands and more than 250 smaller ones lying roughly 500 miles southeast of the Philippines. The islands of Palau constitute part of the Caroline Islands chain. About 70% of Palauans live in the capital city of Koror on Koror Island. The capital, however, relocated in 2006 from Koror to a newly constructed complex in Melekeok State on the larger but less developed island of Babeldaob--the second largest island in all of Micronesia after Guam.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Palauan.
Population: Approximately 20,000 (non-Palauan population, approx. 5,500). Age structure--less than 15 years old, 5,150; 16-64 years old, 13,600; more than 65 years old, 1,130.
Population growth rate: 1.3%.
Ethnic groups: Palauans are Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian elements.
Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Modekngei (an indigenous Palauan religion).
Languages: English (official in all 16 states), Palauan.
Education: Literacy--92%.
Health: Life expectancy--male 68 yrs.; female 76 yrs. Infant mortality rate--16.2/1,000.
Work force: Public sector--56%; private sector--44%.
