📖 About Koror

Koror is the commercial center and most populous city of Palau, a Pacific island nation renowned for some of the world's most pristine diving and snorkeling sites. With approximately 12,000 residents—two-thirds of Palau's total population—this island town serves as the practical capital despite Ngerulmud on Babeldaob being the official capital. Koror's harbor, airport access, hotels, and services make it the base for visitors to Palau's legendary Rock Islands and marine wonders.

The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features hundreds of limestone islands covered in forest rising from crystal-clear waters. Jellyfish Lake offers the unique experience of swimming among millions of harmless jellyfish. The diving is world-class—dramatic walls, abundant sharks, WWII wrecks, and coral gardens.

Koror offers visitors gateway access to one of the Pacific's most spectacular marine destinations, combined with Palauan culture and WWII history. The small town provides infrastructure while nature remains the main attraction.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Koror's economy depends heavily on tourism—diving, snorkeling, and marine tourism drive the economy. Palau implemented the world's first "Palau Pledge" requiring visitors to promise environmental responsibility. Government services (aided by US Compact of Free Association funding), some fishing, and services round out the economy. The challenge is sustainable tourism that protects the marine environment while providing economic benefits.

Palauan culture blends Micronesian traditions with Japanese and American influences from 20th-century administration. The matrilineal clan system structures society; traditional chiefs retain influence alongside elected government. The Palauan language persists though English and some Japanese are common. Traditional practices including the bai meeting house architecture, storytelling, and customs continue. The society is closely connected to the marine environment—fishing, navigation, and ocean knowledge define traditional life.

📜 History

Palauans have inhabited the islands for over 3,000 years, developing sophisticated culture including construction of the Rock Islands' stone money. Spanish claim gave way to German colonial rule (1899), then Japanese mandate (1914-1945). Japan heavily developed Koror, making it administrative center of their Pacific islands; the population grew substantially with Japanese settlers.

World War II brought intense fighting; the Battle of Peleliu was particularly bloody. American administration followed victory. Palau became the last Trust Territory district to achieve self-government, gaining independence in 1994 while maintaining a Compact of Free Association with the United States. The capital officially moved to Ngerulmud in 2006, though Koror remains the practical center. Today's Palau balances tourism-driven development with strong environmental protection, making it a model for sustainable Pacific island nations.