• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Culture & Identity of Palau

Introduction

Palau is slowly becoming a tourist hot spot due to its natural beauty, but this doesn't affect most people's everyday life as they are tied to the land. None-the-less, this tourist trade is giving the people new job opportunities and increased wealth, which is often times passed on to the communities these people are from, hence benefiting many people.

Nearly everyone living in Palau is considered to be urban as the people live close together and many towns are quite large, but there is no true city in the country. Because of this, how most people make a living is fairly consistent from region to region, but the jobs available vastly differ. Some people spend most of their time collecting food and fishing as sustainable farming is not uncommon in Palau; in fact, nearly everyone does this to some degree. Other job opportunities also exist, many of which are in the tourism and other service industries.

Depending on a person's job and way of life, every individual's daily schedule varies, but most people get up early to go to work, school, or start the day farming or fishing. Generally school and work are finished by late afternoon or early evening, but some people may still spend their nights farming or gathering crops, which is a necessity for most people in Palau. At school numerous subjects are taught including farming and fishing techniques, along with other important life skills needed in the island nation.

Evenings and weekends are often consumed with socializing, generally with family and friends, but many young people prefer to play sports, including basketball, volleyball, and soccer (football). Many families also attend church every Sunday so spend this day with family and often follow it up with relaxation and socialization, but little else.

Identity

The people of Palau tend to identify as Palauan, which is an identity based on being a citizen of Palau, but is strongly tied to the culture of the people. There is a bit of debate on the language of Palau as some people believe one must speak Palauan to be a member of this identity, but as many people don't natively speak this language, others believe the greatest criteria to being a member of this identity is citizenship. The people are more willing to agree that the food, lifestyle, and even the music and dances of the people are more important aspects of the culture and identity than is the language or citizenship.

This page was last updated: November, 2013