World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Palau
| Publisher | Minority Rights Group International |
| Publication Date | 2007 |
| Cite as | Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Palau, 2007, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4954ce3d13.html [accessed 20 October 2022] |
| Comments | In October 2015, MRG revised its World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples. For the most part, overview texts were not themselves updated, but the previous 'Current state of minorities and indigenous peoples' rubric was replaced throughout with links to the relevant minority-specific reports, and a 'Resources' section was added. Refworld entries have been updated accordingly. |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Environment
Palau (Belau) is the westernmost Pacific island state, just north of the Equator, consisting of a group of high islands where most of the population live, and largely depopulated outlying coral atolls. It is prone to cyclones.
History
After more than a decade of often acrimonious constitutional debate and many referenda, Palau finally implemented a Compact of Free Association with the USA in October 1994 and was the last UN trust territory to achieve independence. There was considerable friction over support for and opposition to a nuclear-free constitution, a factionalism and polarity which also reflected traditional divisions in Palauan society. Palau has developed strong links with Taiwan.
Peoples
Main languages: Palauan, Filipino, English
Main religions: Christianity (mainly Roman Catholicism)
Outer islanders, from the southern atolls, speak distinct languages and form something of a minority in the Palauan state. By 2000, the mainly Filipino foreign workforce had grown to around 5,000 and it has since stabilised at about 15 per cent of the total population.
Governance
Government is more complex than anywhere else in the world with a dual national legislature, a Senate and a House of Delegates - the Obiil Era Kelulau (OEK) and sixteen state legislatures. Corruption has been a frequent component of governance. From the 1980s there was a substantial growth in Filipino migration, and, to a lesser extent, of the Japanese and Korean populations. Most found employment in the private sector, including fishing, tourism and construction. There has been some resentment at the increase in Asian population numbers despite considerable Palauan unwillingness to work in other than government employment. The economy is heavily dependent on US aid, though tourism is very important. Money laundering is an issue.
Minorities
None listed.
Resources
None listed.
