Palau (Belau) is a small island nation in the western Pacific Ocean, made up of more than 340 islands covering just 177 square miles (459 km²). Most are tiny limestone and volcanic islands wrapped in coral reefs, blue lagoons and thick green forest, and only a handful are home to people.
Its most famous natural landmark is the Rock Islands, hundreds of mushroom-shaped islands rising from a turquoise lagoon. The highest peak is Mount Ngerchelchuus at about 794 feet (242 m) on Babeldaob, the largest island. The national bird is the Palau fruit dove, a colorful pigeon found nowhere else on Earth.
In 2009 Palau created the world's first shark sanctuary, and today most of its waters are a protected marine sanctuary. Manta rays, dugongs, giant clams and hundreds of coral species live on the reefs, and millions of golden jellyfish drift through Jellyfish Lake. The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Did You Know? Every visitor to Palau must sign the Palau Pledge, a promise to protect the islands' nature that is stamped right into their passport on arrival.
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