Palau Geography
What is the terrain and geography like in Palau?
Overview
The Republic of Palau consists of over 300 islands (9 of which are inhabited) divided into 16 states. Formerly known as the Western Caroline Islands, the Palauan chain stretches about 400 miles from a north latitude of 7 degrees and 20 minutes to a southwestern latitude of 3 degrees and 30 minutes. Palau is 550 miles directly east of the Philippine island of Mindanao. Guam is 815 miles to the northeast and Hawaii is 4,600 miles east.The total land area is 188 square miles. Approximately 78% of this is the island of Babeldaob, the second largest island in the Micronesian Pacific after Guam. Geologically, Palau varies from Kayangel atoll in the north, to islands of volcanic origin in the center and the famous limestone "Rock Islands" further south. Over 350 miles from Koror to the south are the seldom visited, sparsely populated "Southwest" islands.
Koror is spread over three islands connected by causeways and bridges. A recently constructed 412 meter suspension bridge connects Koror to Babeldaob where the international airport is located. Much of the coastline around Koror is mangrove forest, and there are no natural sand beaches in Koror. Babeldaob, Koror, and the Rock Islands are protected by an outer reef several miles from shore. South of the Rock Islands are the populated islands of Peleliu and Angaur, sites of intensive fighting during World War II.
Geography - note
westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islandsPalau Use of Natural Resources
| Geographic Location | Oceania |
| Total Area |
177 Square Miles 459 Square Kilometers |
| Land Area |
177 Square Miles 459 Square Kilometers |
| Coastline |
944 Miles 1,519 Kilometers |
| Geographic Coordinates | 7 30 N, 134 30 E |
| Terrain | varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs |
| Highest Point | 242 Meters |
| Highest Point Location | Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m |
| Lowest Point Location | Pacific Ocean 0 m |
| Natural Resources | forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals |
| Time Zone | UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) |
