Palau is an island country in the western Pacific Ocean, consisting of around 340 coral and volcanic islands. Its capital is Ngerulmud, located on the largest island, Babeldaob, while the largest city is Koror. Palau covers about 488 square kilometers, with a population close to 17,600 as of 2025.

The nation's people are of mixed Malay, Melanesian, Filipino, and Polynesian heritage, and the official languages are Palauan and English. Palau is a democratic republic and has maintained independence since 1994, previously having been under the administration of several foreign powers including Spain, Germany, Japan, and the United States.

The economy is largely based on government services, tourism, and subsistence fishing, with sustainable tourism promoted to preserve its unique ecosystems and traditions.