Palau Independence Day

Palau Independence Day

October 1

The Republic of Palau is a small island nation in the southern Pacific Ocean, near the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. For the last 4,000 years, Palau has been settled by people from various countries. Originally, migrants from Indonesia settled in Palau. In the 18th century, the British had a more prominent presence. In the 19th century, the Spanish influence dominated the country. After the Spanish-American War, Spain sold Palau to Germany in 1899.
In 1914, the Treaty of Versailles gave Japan control over Palau. Under Japanese rule, the Palauan culture shifted the economy from a level of subsistence to a market economy, and individual property ownership became more common.
In 1947, after World War II, Palau became one of six island districts that became part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands that were to be administered by the United States. As part of its mandate, the United States was to improve Palau's infrastructure and educational system so that it could eventually become a self-sufficient nation.
Palau approved a new constitution in 1981, and then signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States in 1982. The Compact went into effect on October 1, 1994, making Palau an independent nation.
Palau has dedicated this day as a national holiday. Palau Independence Day is the most celebrated holiday of the year. On this day, the nation celebrates events that include cultural feasts and symposiums.

CONTACTS:
Palau Visitors Authority
P.O. Box 256
Koror 96940 Republic of Palau
www.visit-palau.com

Celebration day: Oct 1