2014 Report on International Religious Freedom - Palau
| Publisher | United States Department of State |
| Publication Date | 14 October 2015 |
| Cite as | United States Department of State, 2014 Report on International Religious Freedom - Palau, 14 October 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/562105658b.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| 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. |
Executive Summary
The constitution provides for religious freedom. There were no reports of significant government actions affecting religious freedom.
There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom.
Embassy officials met with the government and religious groups throughout the year to discuss religious freedom issues.
Section I. Religious Demography
The U.S. government estimates the total population is 21,000 (July 2014 estimate). Approximately 65 percent is Roman Catholic. Other religious groups include the Evangelical Church, which makes up approximately 10 percent of the population, and Seventh-day Adventists, constituting 5 percent. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) makes up more than 1 percent, and Jehovah's Witnesses represent less than 1 percent. Modekngei, an indigenous religious group that embraces both animist and Christian beliefs, is approximately 9 percent of the population. Within the foreign community of more than 4,000 individuals, the majority is Filipino Catholic. There is also a small group of Bangladeshi Muslims.
Section II. Status of Government Respect for Religious Freedom
Legal Framework
The constitution provides for freedom of religion. It stipulates that there will be no state religion but allows the state to fund "private or parochial" schools for non-religious purposes.
The law requires religious groups to obtain charters as nonprofit organizations from the Office of the Attorney General. As nonprofit organizations, religious groups and mission agencies are exempt from paying taxes. Foreign missionaries are required under law to obtain missionary permits at the Office of Immigration.
The law prohibits religious instruction in public schools. Representatives of any religious group, however, may request government financial support for religious schools.
Government Practices
Christian prayers were offered at government-sponsored events.
Section III. Status of Societal Respect for Religious Freedom
There were no reports of significant societal actions affecting religious freedom.
Section IV. U.S. Government Policy
U.S. embassy officials met with the government and various religious groups throughout the year to discuss religious freedom and the relationship between the various religious groups in Palau.
