Palau Geography: Location, Area, Borders & Climate

Palau is a country in Oceania / Pacific, Oceania, covering a total area of 459 km². It has a coastline of 1,519 km along the Oceania / Pacific coast. It is an island nation with no land borders.

📐 Geographic Statistics

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Continent
Oceania
geographical continent
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Region
Oceania / Pacific
sub-region
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Total Area
459 km²
land coverage
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Pop. Density
39/km²
people per km²
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Coastline
1,519 km
total shore length
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Timezone
UTC+9
UTC offset
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Independence
1994
year established
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Climate
Tropical, hot and humid year-round
general type

Where is Palau Located?

Palau is situated in Oceania / Pacific, within the broader continent of Oceania. The country has a coastline of 1,519 km, providing access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism. This geographic feature has been central to Palau's historical development and economic activity. The capital, Ngerulmud, serves as the country's administrative and economic centre. Within the Oceania / Pacific region, Palau sits alongside countries including New Zealand, Fiji, Kiribati.

Size and Area of Palau

Palau covers a total area of 459 km², making it one of the smaller nations in the world. With a population of 18K across this territory, the population density works out at 39/km²: a moderate distribution of people across the country.

Climate of Palau

The climate of Palau is tropical, hot and humid year-round. The most favourable time to visit is November–April, when conditions are most comfortable for travel and outdoor activities. Climate can vary considerably across different parts of the country; coastal areas, highlands and inland plains often experience quite different conditions. Travellers should research the specific region they plan to visit to plan appropriate clothing and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Palau's Geography

Where is Palau located?

Palau is located in Oceania / Pacific, Oceania. The capital city is Ngerulmud.

How large is Palau?

Palau has a total area of 459 km² with a population density of 39/km².

What countries border Palau?

Palau is an island nation and has no land borders.

Does Palau have a coastline?

Yes, Palau has a coastline of 1,519 km.

What is the climate of Palau?

The climate of Palau is Tropical, hot and humid year-round. The best time to visit is November–April.

What timezone is Palau in?

Palau observes UTC+9 timezone.

What continent is Palau in?

Palau is in Oceania, specifically in the Oceania / Pacific region.

When did Palau become independent?

Palau gained independence in 1994.

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