The Blue Holes underwater caves have become a favourite with divers
Full name: Republic of Palau
Population: 20,600 (UN, 2011)
Capital: Ngerulmud
Largest town: Koror
Area:508 sq km (196 sq miles)
Major languages: Palauan, English
Major religions: Christianity, Modekngei (indigenous belief)
Life expectancy: 66 years (men), 72 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 US dollar = 100 cents
Main exports: Fish, garments
GNI per capita: US $6,510 (World Bank, 2011)
Internet domain: .pw
International dialling code: +680
