History of Palau
The history of Palau spans early settlement, Spanish and German colonial rule, Japanese administration, U.S. trusteeship, and independence in 1994.
Archaeology of Palau: The study of Palau’s material remains, including settlement sites, stone structures, and artifacts. Archaeological evidence helps trace Palauan life before European contact.
Treaty of Paris (1898): The treaty ending the Spanish-American War and transferring Spain’s remaining Pacific possessions to the United States. It prompted Spain to sell the Caroline Islands, including Palau, to Germany.
Roman Tmetuchl: A Palauan politician and businessman who led political efforts during the transition from trusteeship to self-government. His leadership influenced debates over Palau’s political future and the compact.
Koror: Palau’s most populous urban center and former administrative capital under Japanese and U.S. rule. Koror became the focal point of colonial administration and later national government.
Independence of Palau: Palau’s emergence as a sovereign state on October 1, 1994, ending U.S. trusteeship. It marks the culmination of the political transition traced across Palau’s history.
Babeldaob: Palau’s largest island, home to ancient stonework and many traditional villages. Its archaeological sites preserve evidence of long-standing settlement and political organization.
Japanese occupation of the Pacific Islands: Japan’s military seizure of German Pacific islands during World War I, followed by its administration of them. Japanese control began in Palau during the First World War.
Lazarus Salii: A Palauan politician who served as president from 1985 until his death in 1988. His presidency fell during the prolonged negotiations over independence and free association.
Ngerulmud: Palau’s capital city, established in Melekeok State on Babeldaob in 2006. Its creation marked a post-independence shift away from colonial-era Koror.
Palauan nationality: The legal and civic identity associated with citizenship in the Republic of Palau. Independence established Palau’s authority to define its own citizenship.