Culture and history

The culture of Palau relies on matrilineal clans, the taboo bul system and community self-government, where elders and chiefs play a key role.

The heart of the village is a bai (council house) with carved storyboards telling myths and genealogies; crafts include woodworking, weaving and making shell decorations.

Languages - Palauan and English; choral singing and dancing accompany communal holidays, and the sea forms life, cuisine and worldview.

Historically, the archipelago passed through Spanish, German and Japanese rule; in 1944, Peleliu Island became the site of one of the most difficult battles of the Pacific campaign.

After a period in UN custody, Palau entered into the Compact of Free Association with the United States and became an independent state on October 1, 1994.

Today, Palau's identity is united by respect for the bai tradition, protection of unique marine ecosystems and modern island statehood.