You can find a lot of interesting facts about Palau, starting with its name Pacific paradise. However, not everyone is aware of the name. It’s one of the largest Islands of the Micronesian country. For someone who loves to enjoy the mysterious ocean, Palau could be the most fitting choice. This island has one of the ancient cultures that people love to witness. Precisely, Palau is one of the islands that everyone must know about.
The island has adventurous things, including caves, shipwrecks, tunnels, and more. But that’s just part of the island; you can also witness rich flora and fauna on this island. Moreover, nations such as the Philippines, Japanese, Spanish, Germans, and America have influenced the islands that add up Palau. That being said, let’s now check 12 interesting facts about Palau.
Palau Facts
1. First Shark Sanctuary in the world was created in Palau in 2009
People’s assumption about sharks was proven wrong by Palauans, and they sharks differently than other people in the world. They protected it, while people in other countries were shark fishing. Also, Palauans genuine interest towards sharks was exhibited in 2009 when they created the first sanctuary in the world. They also banned commercial shark fishing to protect the beautiful creatures, and the shark sanctuary safeguards 600,000 plus square km as of today. In 2012, Palau received Future Policy trophy from World Future Council in regards to protecting the marine lives, an interesting fact about Palau.
2. Koror Island is the most inhabited from 250 Islands
When adding up all 250 islands in Palau, Koror Island hits the highest population. It is the commercial center of the country; this is another reason for the population on the island. Around 70% of Palau’s population is in Koror Island.
3. Women rulers lead Palau society
Unlike many other societies, Palauan society gives priority to women. They are the ones who lead the society. A steady matrilineal system is the basis of this society. Women are the ones who make decisions in Palauan society, a fun fact about Palau. The practices of matrilineal are applied in marriage, inheritance, funeral, and every other thing in the life of this country.
4. A lake in Palau consists of jellyfish (MILLIONS OF THEM)
Eil Malk Island is home to millions of jellyfish, so the lake that accommodates is known as ‘The Jellyfish Lake.’ Every single day, the migration of millions of jellyfish takes place in this lake. The lake was divided from the ocean back in the days, but now it is attached via limestone bedrock’s small tunnels and fissures.
The evolution of species happened when the lake was isolated. Hence, the jellyfish that are in this lake is not poisonous even though they contain nematocysts. As the predators were not there in the lake, the jellyfish could live and evolve without releasing poison.
Nowadays, tourists have permission to snorkel and swim in the Jellyfish Lake but not allowed to swim deeper. When they reach the deeper levels, they are likely to be threatened by an anoxic layer that releases toxic hydrogen sulfide. If tourists swim deeper, they might lose their lives.
5. The delicacy of the country is Fruitbat Soup
Palau has a special soup that is considered as the delicacy of Palauans. This soup includes ingredients such as coconut milk, fruit bats, spices, and ginger.
6. Palau is one of the few nations without a military
There are only a few nations that lack the military. One such nation is Palau; it doesn’t have a military, thus considered as an independent nation. As for the Compact of Free Association, it is in the hands of the US military to take responsibility for Palau if foreign invasions take place. However, around 30 persons together have formed a Maritime Surveillance Unit to patrol in the country’s coastal region.
7. For a country with few population, Palau is over-governed
When compared to other countries, Palau is over-governed. Regardless of the small archipelago, the country is separated into 16 states. These divided states are distinct administrative areas. Every municipality has both a tribal chiefdom and an elected legislature. On top of all, the country has only 20,000 people, so it is obviously over-governed, an interesting Palau fact.
8. Saltwater crocodiles are extremely common in the country
Among all the other fun facts related to Palau, witnessing saltwater crocodiles is the most interesting. Regardless of the aggressive nature of the species, there is only a single fatal human attack recorded in Palau. Even that incident dates back to the 1960s.
9. The only prison in the country is also treated as a tourist destination
Interestingly, Palau has only one jail. It is Koror Jail, but it is a tourist attraction, too. When we consider the population of Palau, it is reasonable to maintain just one jail. However, it has become a tourist attraction because of the wooded storyboards sold in the jail premises. These wooded storyboards are nicely carved; thus, visitors admire them.
10. Milky Way Lagoon in Palau offers natural treatments
As for tourist guides, the white mud in this lagoon is a natural treatment. Most tourists make sure to take a mud bath in the lagoon so that they can treat their skin naturally without visiting a spa. Also, some believe that the mud makes you look ten years younger than the actual age.
11. Blue Corner in Palau is one of the best sites for scuba diving
Scuba dive sites are incredibly adventurous, so is Blue Corner in Palau. It is one of the best sites for scuba divers. The view and the surrounding of Blue Corner make the divers spend a little more time in the destination.
12. Badrulchau is the oldest megalithic site in Palau
Palau has one of the oldest and largest megalithic sites, which is Badrulchau. As for archeologists, the site dates back to 150 AD. Handmade terrace and the tropical vegetation on either side of the site, make it even more stunning, a fun fact about Palau
Conclusion
Palau is a fantastic country to learn about. As stated, there are several exciting facts that one cannot find in any other country. Palau accommodates and protects the marine ecosystem. But it focuses less on gender equality. However, it is one of the countries with weird yet exciting facts and details.
I hope that this article on Palau facts was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Country Facts Page!
