15 Interesting Facts About Palau

Introduction:

Palau, a tropical paradise situated in the western Pacific Ocean, has a lot to offer its tourists and residents alike. This beautiful country is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, vibrant local culture and incredible natural attractions. But what many don’t know is that there are plenty of interesting facts about Palau. Here are 15 of them.

Fact 1: Palau was the site of an epic World War II battle

In 1944, the US, in a campaign known as Operation Desecrate One, fought a fierce battle with Japan over the islands of Palau. This battle was incredibly important in a strategic sense as it was the last in the series of US battles that captured the islands of the Marianas. After this, the US could launch airstrikes on the Japanese mainland, leading to their eventual surrender in 1945.

Fact 2: Palau has the world’s highest oceanic wall

If you’re looking for a daring dive in Palau, then you won’t want to miss the world-famous Big Drop Off. This scuba diving site is home to the highest oceanic wall in the world, and it’s an incredible sight to behold. With over a thousand metres of sheer drop-off, this is one of the world’s best dive sites and a must-visit for any adventurer in Palau.

Fact 3: Palau is home to some amazing animals

Palau is home to many unique and rare animals, such as the Spotted Reef Crocodile, which is an incredibly rare species that is only found in Palau. There are also plenty of larger species, like the Palau Flying Fox or the Palau Flying Frog, which can be found flying through the sky and hopping from tree to tree respectively.

Fact 4: Palau has the most tropical islands in the world

Palau is home to the most tropical islands in the world, with over 600 islands spread across an area of just 460sqm. This means there’s plenty of variety to explore when it comes to beaches, wildlife and local culture. From the emerald forests of Angaur Island to the picturesque beaches of Sonsorol, there’s something for everyone in Palau.

Fact 5: Palau was the site of a sunken fleet of ships

One of the most interesting facts about Palau is that it is the site of what is known as the Palauan Underground Fleet. This is an incredible collection of sunken ships from the World War II era, all of which were deliberately sunk by the US armed forces to prevent them from falling into Japanese hands.

Fact 6: Palau is the only country in the world with a jellyfish lake

If you’re looking for something totally unique in Palau, then you won’t want to miss the world-famous Jellyfish Lake. This amazing body of water is home to millions of stingless jellyfish, which swim around in an undulating dance. You can even go swimming with these jellyfish if you’re brave enough!

Fact 7: The national language of Palau is a unique one

Though Palau has an official language of English, the national language of Palau is known as Palauan. This unique language is said to have been passed down through generations by the native Palauans and is a fusion of various languages, including English, Spanish, Japanese, Malay and others.

Fact 8: Palau is an incredibly diverse country

Thanks to its location in the Pacific Ocean, Palau is an incredibly diverse country, with a population made up of people from all over the world. This diversity has allowed the country to become a melting pot of cultures, where you’ll find people from all walks of life.

Fact 9: Palau is the only country in the world with full legal protection for sharks

Palau recently passed a law that offers full legal protection for sharks. Not only in Palauan waters, but from all over the world. This has led to the creation of a Marine Protection Area (MPA) that offers sanctuary to various shark species which are now becoming endangered due to overfishing and other unsustainable practices.

Fact 10: Palau is home to the world’s best dive site

If you’re a fan of scuba diving, then you won’t want to miss diving in Palau. Home to the world’s best dive site, the Blue Corner, Palau is the perfect spot to come and explore some of the most stunning coral reefs in the world. With amazing sea life and incredible visibility, its no wonder why Palau is becoming such a popular spot for divers.

Fact 11: Palau is the only country in the world to have a “ chain gang”

In the local culture of Palau, men are expected to serve in what is called “the Chain Gang”. Much like a prison chain gang, each member is chained together and must work together to complete a task. This is usually the construction of a canoe or house.

Fact 12: Palau is an incredibly safe country

Despite its small size, Palau is one of the safest countries in the world with an incredibly low crime rate. This means it’s a perfect spot to come and relax without having to worry about safety or crime.

Fact 13: Palau is a paradise for water sports

No matter what your preferred water sport is, Palau has it all. From kayaking and snorkeling to wakeboarding and jet skiing, there’s something for everyone.

Fact 14: Palau has some of the best beaches in the world

From the white-sand beaches of the Rock Islands to the black-sand volcanic beaches of Ngemelis, Palau is home to some of the world’s best beaches. With scuba diving, snorkeling and plenty of other water sports on offer, these beaches make for the perfect holiday destination.

Fact 15: Palau is home to a hidden kingdom

It’s said that deep within the jungles of Palau lies a hidden kingdom known as “Ngardmau”. This hidden kingdom is said to be ruled by the spirits and is a beautiful place to explore. It’s said that anyone who visits the kingdom must bring good luck and gifts in order to be welcomed.

Conclusion

These are just 15 of the many interesting facts about Palau. From its hidden kingdom to its pristine beaches, there’s so much to explore in this tropical paradise. So, if you’re looking for a unique getaway, then Palau should definitely be at the top of your list.