Living in Palau guide for expats

Covering a small area of just over 465 square kilometres, Palau has the population of 21,726 people ' with only eight of its 200 islands permanently inhabited.

The country's economy is based primarily on agriculture and fishing. A lot of people are employed in government work and, with the assistance of the United States, Palau is one of the wealthier islands in the region.

Citizens of almost all countries can receive a 30-day visa on arrival in Palau while Americans, Micronesians, Marshallese, and Samoans can stay in the country visa-free for up to one year.

Palau is divided into several regions. The island of Babeldaob is the largest island with a population of over 6,000 people, and is home to the country's capital, the city of Melekeok.

Next is the island of Koror housing Palau's former capital and largest city ' Koror. Sonsorol Islands with a population of just 100 people are in the southwest ' Peleliu has about 700 residents and Angaur has around 200 permanent residents. Rock Islands are uninhabited but popular with tourists thanks to the Jellyfish Lake where they can snorkel with thousands of jellyfish without getting stung. With that said, travellers are advised to watch out for Saltwater Crocodiles found near Rock Island and other areas in Palau.

As it's expected from a small remote island where tourism is an important industry, prices are relatively high. Foreign nationals typically travel to Palau for holidays and there are few expats living in the region full-time ' which, in turn, explains the absence of expat clubs and associations in Palau.