ABSTRACT
The Republic of Palau is a proudly independent nation of some 21,000 people that lies to the south-east of the Philippines and north of New Guinea (Figure 12.1). Its chain of islands, largely enclosed by a sheltering coral reef, makes up the westernmost region of Micronesia. Situated near the equator, Palau’s climate is generally stable all year round, mixing tropical sunshine with a little daily rain, enough to maintain the shimmering greenery and freshen the air. Unsurprisingly, the islands have become something of a tourist paradise, attractive partly for their almost stereotypical Pacifi c beauty and partly for the unparalleled diving offshore.
