Palau
Palau was historically named Belau or Pelew. It is officially the Republic of Palau. It is an island country with a population of about 18,000 on 465 km2. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean.
Palau is an Associated State with the United States. Its capital is Ngerulmud. Its largest city is Koror. Its official languages are English and Palauan. Its recognised regional languages are Japanese, Sonsorolese, and Tobian.
It was colonized by Germany and then Japan (following World War I). In 1944, it was invaded by the United States, then given independence following World War II.
Palau's largest island is Babeldaob, which includes the capital Ngerulmud. The most populated island is Koror, just to the southwest of Babeldaob. Other islands include Angaur, Peleliu, Kayangel, and the Southwest Islands which are about 600 km from the rest of the country.