Dialing code +680
ISO 2 code PW
ISO 3 code PLW
Capital Melekeok
Main Language None
Currency Dollar (USD)
GDP $164.0 million 201st
Population 19,907 225th

Geography

Continent Oceania
Location Oceania group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean southeast of the Philippines
Land 458 km2 199th
Terrain Varying geologically from the high mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs
Climate Tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November
Natural Hazards Varying geologically from the high mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs
Note: Westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain consists of six island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands

Neighbouring Countries

History

After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under US administration this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with the US was approved in 1986 but not ratified until 1993. It entered into force the following year when the islands gained independence.
Read more on Wikipedia

Demographics

Life Expectancy 71.22 years 117th
Median Age 32.2 years 69th
Birth Rate 11.2 births/1,000 population 159th
Death Rate 7.89 births/1,000 population 103rd
Sex Ratio 0.45 male(s)/female 205th
Literacy 92.0% 104th
Population

19907

Transportation

Roadways None km
Railways None km
Airports 3 178th
Waterways None km
Heliports None
Airports paved 1 185th

Economy

Currency Dollar (USD)
GDP $164.0 million 201st
GDP per capita (PPP) $8100 106th