Country explorer: Palau
EXPERIMENTAL
2024
Loading...
Overview
Palau is a tropical, upper-middle-income island nation in the Pacific with a tiny population. Its economy has been volatile in recent decades, and is based on tourism, fishing and agriculture.
Palau is a marine paradise with crystal-clear waters.
Economy
Palau has experienced significant economic development, with its GDP per capita consistently outpacing those of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu, marking it as a uniquely high-income island nation within its Pacific peer group.
Demographics
Palau has experienced a notable decline in population size accompanied by shifts towards higher fertility rates and fluctuating migration patterns, against a backdrop of a decreasing life expectancy trend, distinguishing it from many of its Pacific peers which often show population growth and improvements in life expectancy.
Basic needs
Palau has demonstrated significant progress in improving basic needs for its population, with nearly universal access to electricity, a notable increase in access to safely managed drinking water from 65.4% to over 90%, while witnessing a decline in the use of clean fuels for cooking, distinguishing it from many peers with mixed trends in basic utilities provision.
Human development
Palau has demonstrated significant human development, marked by improvements in the Human Development Index, a decrease in child mortality, high literacy rates, and an increase in learning-adjusted years of schooling, distinguishing it as a nation with relatively high human development achievements compared to many of its Pacific peers.
Environment & energy
Palau has experienced a relatively stable forest area coverage, in contrast to its significant increase in per capita CO₂ emissions, which are notably higher compared to its Pacific neighbors and upper-middle-income countries, illustrating its unique environmental and energy challenges.
Technology & innovation
Palau has seen a notable rise in technology adoption and scientific output, characterized by a substantial increase in internet usage, a high mobile subscription rate that outpaces many of its Pacific peers, and a remarkable surge in scientific publications relative to its population size, highlighting its unique commitment to integrating technology and fostering innovation.
Culture & society
Palau has experienced significant social and demographic shifts, evidenced by a higher share of the population born in another country compared to many of its Pacific peers and a decreasing age dependency ratio, reflecting broader labor market and societal changes.
Governance
Despite the lack of detailed data on governance indices, Palau's consistent efforts towards maintaining its democratic norms and practices reflect a stable trajectory towards upholding the rule of law, combating corruption, and preserving political and civil liberties, setting it apart as a beacon of good governance among Pacific Island nations.