INTRODUCTION
The Republic of Palau
Over 300 islands in the western Pacific Ocean comprise the Republic of Palau. Formally colonized by Spain, Germany, and Japan, Palau is now a sovereign nation in free association with the United States. With a gorgeous landscape known for its tropical climate and ecological diversity, the shores of Palau are hot spots for eco-tourism. Palau's population of just over 21 thousand speak a variety languages, including the indigenous Palauan language, English, Japanese, Filipino, and Chinese. The majority of the population lives in Koror or in the capital city of Ngerulmud, Melekeok.
According to Braj Kachrus's "Models for Non-Native Englishes" (1992), the Republic of Palau is in the Outer Circle; indigenous Palauans came into contact with English during the second diaspora of English and acquire it as a Second Language (p. 48-75). Because of English's popularity and use on a global stage, both Palauan and English are official languages of Palau. |
Geography
Palau is an archipelago located in the Oceania region of the western Pacific Ocean. The countries neighboring Palau include the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Islands in the Republic of Palau are more susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Additionally, the rainforest climate brings frequent tropical storms. On each island, topography can range from the mountainous region of the extinct volcano Babulthuap, to lush, entangled mangroves. |
Politics
The Republic of Palau is a presidential republic since its independence in 1994. President Tommy Remengesau and Vice-President Antonio Bells were elected to office by majority vote in January 2013.
The nation is also in free association with the United States of America under the Compact of Free Association of 1994. Under this agreement, Palau and other nations in the Pacific Islands receive economic aid and military protection from the US. The Palauan government is comprised of three branches of government: executive, judicial, and legislative. |
Culture
Palau is home to many cultures and languages but primarily those of indigenous Palauan heritage. The Palauan and Micronesian ethnicity accounts for 73 percent of the population. Another 21 percent of the population is of Asian decent, and the remainder is a mixture of Caucasian and other ethnicities.
The majority of the population is Roman Catholic or Protestant as a result of Spanish missionaries coming to the Pacific islands. About 45 percent are Roman Catholic and 35 percent are Protestant. Just under 6 percent still practices the indigenous religion of Modekngei. Palauan is still the hegemony in the country with 65 percent of the population speaking Palauan, which is also the official language. Some Micronesian languages are also spoken by about 2 percent of the population. English accounts for 19 percent of the language diversity, but it is also an official language. |
Krista Balster-Gee, Fall 2018