Population of Palau: A Comprehensive Exploration

The Population Size and Growth Rate

As of 2023, the population of Palau is estimated to be 18,008, according to data from the CIA World Factbook. This represents a 1.24% increase from the previous year, when the population was 17,773. The population growth rate for Palau is relatively steady, averaging around 1.3% in recent years.

Key Demographic Statistics

1. Age structure (2020):
   - 0-14 years: 21.6%
   - 15-24 years: 17.2%
   - 25-54 years: 40.4%
   - 55-64 years: 13.8%
   - 65 years and over: 6.9%

2. Median age: 34.1 years

   

3. Birth rate: 16.2 births per 1,000 population
4. Death rate: 7.1 deaths per 1,000 population
5. Life expectancy at birth (2020): 73.9 years for males, 78.5 years for females

Population Distribution

The population of Palau is distributed across 16 states and is concentrated mainly on the two largest islands: Babeldaob and Koror. Babeldaob is the larger of the two, with a population of approximately 11,000. Koror, the former capital of Palau, has a population of around 12,000.

Migration and Immigration

Palau is a small nation with limited migration and immigration. However, there has been a small influx of migrant workers from neighboring countries in recent years, primarily from the Philippines and Bangladesh. In 2020, 1,298 foreign workers were employed in Palau, representing about 7.3% of the workforce.

Education and Health

The literacy rate in Palau is 99.5%, one of the highest in the Pacific region. The country has a well-developed education system with compulsory education up to age 16. There are several higher education institutions in Palau, including the Palau Community College and the University of the Ryukyus Palau Campus.

Palau has a universal healthcare system that provides free healthcare to all citizens. The country has a number of hospitals and clinics, as well as a national referral hospital in Koror. The main causes of death in Palau include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes.

Workforce and Economy

About 8,000 people are employed in the labor force, with the majority working in the public sector. The service sector is the largest contributor to the economy, accounting for around 50% of GDP. Tourism is a significant industry, and the country receives around 100,000 visitors per year.

Comparison with Other Countries

The population of Palau is small compared to other countries in the Pacific region. For instance, the population of Papua New Guinea is 9.4 million and the population of Fiji is 932,000. Palau is also less densely populated than many other countries in the region, with an average population density of 46 people per square kilometer.

Conclusion

Palau is a small but growing nation with a relatively stable population. The country faces some challenges, including a declining birth rate and a shortage of skilled workers. However, the government is investing in education and healthcare to improve the quality of life for all Palauans.