Palau (Belau) is a group of islands in the Micronesia area of Oceania, to the southeast of the Philippines.

Babeldaob Island- Largest Island, with a population of roughly 6,000 people. (Also spelled Babelthwap, Babeldoub, Babeldaub, etc.)

Koror- Palau's former capital and its largest city (with almost half of the population). Koror is on Oreor island, and is Palau's commercial hub.

Southwest Islands- Including the states of Sonsorol and Hatohobei, these islands have only about 100 people. Hatohobei State has only 30 people living there currently.

Rock Islands- Made up of almost 300 (mostly uninhabited) islands, the rock islands are home to Jellyfish Lake, a lake with millions of jellyfish with very weak stingers. Snorkelers can safely snorkel in this lake (SCUBA diving is not allowed in these lakes).

The South West islands of Palau are worth a visit if you have your own marine transport such as an ocean going yacht. There are Sonsorol, Fana, Meriil, Hatohobei and Helen Reef, a conservation area. However be sure to take mosquito repellent if visiting Meriil as its local name is dancing island. Go there and you will find out why! If intending to visit any of these islands it is a wise idea to make the acquaintance of the governors at their offices in Koror itself. If you are lucky you just might be able to take a trip on the island supply vessel the Atoll Way. Sleeping is on a hard wooden platform along with the other souls who are either returning to their home islands or maybe the doctor from Peleliu island hospital who is making a routine visit to check up on the health of the islanders

After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with the US was approved in 1986, but not ratified until 1993. Palau officially became independent on October 1, 1994.

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Based on a work at Wikitravel.org & Traveldudes.org.