1. Palau

Palau is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, some 500 miles (800 km) east of the Philippines and 2,000 miles (3,200 km) south of Tokyo. Having emerged from United Nations trusteeship (administered by the United States) in 1994, it is one of the world's youngest and smallest sovereign states. In English, the name is sometimes spelled Belau in accordance with the native pronunciation. It was formerly also spelled Pelew.

History of Palau
Archaeology

Early Palauans may have come from Polynesia and Asia. Depending on the origin of a family, Palauans may represent many parts of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. However, they are not traditionally considered to be Micronesian.

The archipelago is also known as "The Black Islands". Vintage maps and village drawings can be found at the Australian library online, as well as photos of the tattooed and pierced Ibedul of
Koror and Ludee.












States
The sixteen states of Palau.
Main article: States of Palau

Palau is divided into sixteen states (until 1984 called municipalities).

State:
Aimeliik
Airai
Angaur
Hatohobei
Kayangel
Koror
Melekeok
Ngaraard
Ngarchelong
Ngardmau
Ngaremlengui
Ngatpang
Ngchesar
Ngiwal
Peleliu
Sonsorol

Historically, Palau's uninhabited Rock Islands have been part of the State of Koror.