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Photo: Aotearoa, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.How well do you know the stunning island nation of Palau? Test your knowledge on its unique wildlife, rich cultural traditions, and incredible history!
Island Explorer 0–4 · Reef Friend 5–8 · Keeper of the Tides 9–10
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Palau uses the United States dollar as its official currency. This comes from its Compact of Free Association with the United States, signed in 1982 and in force since Palau became independent in 1994. Under the same agreement, the US also takes care of Palau's defence and gives financial aid.
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Palau's Rock Islands are made of ancient coral reefs that were slowly pushed upward by tectonic activity to form limestone islets. Over millennia, water and marine organisms eroded the bases of these islands, giving them their iconic mushroom or umbrella shapes. Today, this breathtaking archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Photo: Luka Peternel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Ngerulmud became the official capital of Palau in 2006, taking over from the bustling city of Koror. Located in the state of Melekeok on the island of Babeldaob, it holds the distinction of being the least populous capital city of any sovereign nation in the world, with just a few dozen permanent residents.
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Taro is the ultimate staple crop in Palau, carrying deep cultural and economic significance. Cultivating taro in specialized swamp gardens called mesei is a highly respected skill traditionally passed down from mothers to daughters. The crop is a centerpiece of Palauan custom feasts, symbolizing hospitality and wealth.
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Thierry Caro assumed (based on copyright cl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5.
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The golden jellyfish in Palau's Jellyfish Lake have a fascinating relationship with symbiotic algae living in their tissues. Every day, these jellyfish migrate across the lake to follow the path of the sun, which allows their algae to photosynthesize and produce food for them. Because they rely on this internal food source, their stingers have evolved to be virtually harmless to humans.
Photo: Lukas from Munich, Germany, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
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In 2009, Palau declared its entire Exclusive Economic Zone as the world's first official shark sanctuary. This pioneering move banned all commercial shark fishing within approximately 600,000 square kilometers of ocean water. Palau's bold conservation efforts helped inspire several other nations to establish similar marine sanctuaries.
Photo: David Burdick, NOAA, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.
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The Badrulchau Stone Monoliths are located on the northern tip of Babeldaob, Palau's largest island. This archaeological site features 37 giant basalt monoliths, some weighing up to five tons, arranged in two neat rows. Local legends say these impressive pillars were carved by gods to support a massive traditional meeting house.
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A bai is a traditional Palauan meeting house that served as the social and political hub for village chiefs. These beautifully crafted structures feature steep roofs and triangular gables painted with vivid storyboards depicting historic events and moral lessons. Historically, they were built entirely without nails, using complex wooden joinery.
Photo: JOOZLy, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Udoud is the traditional bead money of Palau, consisting of small glass or ceramic beads of ancient origin. These beads are highly prized, individually named, and passed down through families to be used in major life events like marriages and funerals. Rai stones, by contrast, are the famous giant stone discs from neighboring Yap.
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The Battle of Peleliu was fought from September to November 1944 as American forces sought to capture a strategic airstrip. Believed by commanders to last just a few days, the fierce conflict dragged on for over two months due to Japan's heavily fortified cave systems. Today, the island is a peaceful spot where visitors can still see abandoned tanks, planes, and military relics.
Photo: USGov-Military, Post-Work: User:W.wolny, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.
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