The name for the islands in the Palauan language, Belau, derives from the Palauan word for "village", beluu, or from aibebelau ("indirect replies"), relating to a creation myth. The name "Palau" entered the English language from the

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Early history
Palau was originally settled between the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE, most likely from the Philippines or

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Palau is a democratic republic. The President of Palau is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is vested in both the government and the Palau National Congress.

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Palau's economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence agriculture and fishing. Tourist activity focuses on scuba diving and snorkeling in the islands' rich marine environment, including its

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Palau International Airport provides scheduled direct flights with Guam, Manila, Seoul and Taipei. Palau Pacific Airwaysalso has charter flights to and

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The population of Palau is approximately 17,907, of whom 73% are native Palauans of mixed Melanesian and Austronesian descent. There are many Asian communities within Palau.

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Palau's territory consists of an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean. Its most populous islands are Angaur, Babeldaob, Koror and Peleliu. The latter three lie together within the same

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