The Republic of Palau is one of the youngest countries in the world. After a long colonial period, it gained independence in 1994. It is an island country in the Pacific Ocean about 500 km east of the Philippines. It forms the westernmost part of the Caroline Islands. The first inhabitants came to the islands around 1000 BC. The islands were probably discovered by the Spanish traveler Ruy López de Villalobos in 1543. Palau consists of 26 islands and about 300 islets, all but 6 of which lie in a large lagoon enclosed by a barrier cliff. Only 11 islands are inhabited. The largest is Babeldaob with the capital Ngerulmud. The other larger islands are Angaur, Koror (home to two thirds of the population) and Peleliu. Southwest of Koror is a group of about 300 uninhabited islands called the Rock Islands, which are part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Steve