Rank #146 by World Population
🇵🇼Palau
Palau has a population of 17,727, ranking #146 in the world. The capital is Koror. Located in East Asia & Pacific.
World Bank: High income
17,727
Population
#146
World Rank
69.3
Life Expectancy
$15,611
GDP Per Capita
Palau, #146 by world population
Palau Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Palau had a population of 9,328 in 1960 and 17,695 in 2024, a 89.7% growth over 64 years. The peak was 19,820 in 2004. Average annual growth rate: 1.02%.
17,695
Population (2024)
9,328
Population (1960)
19,820
Peak (2004)
1.02%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 9,328 |
| 1961 | 9,555 |
| 1962 | 9,793 |
| 1963 | 10,037 |
| 1964 | 10,292 |
| 1965 | 10,547 |
| 1966 | 10,805 |
| 1967 | 10,988 |
| 1968 | 11,080 |
| 1969 | 11,159 |
| 1970 | 11,368 |
| 1971 | 11,759 |
| 1972 | 12,194 |
| 1973 | 12,552 |
| 1974 | 12,687 |
| 1975 | 12,655 |
| 1976 | 12,598 |
| 1977 | 12,525 |
| 1978 | 12,440 |
| 1979 | 12,337 |
| 1980 | 12,271 |
| 1981 | 12,402 |
| 1982 | 12,694 |
| 1983 | 13,006 |
| 1984 | 13,337 |
| 1985 | 13,688 |
| 1986 | 14,024 |
| 1987 | 14,334 |
| 1988 | 14,645 |
| 1989 | 14,945 |
| 1990 | 15,259 |
| 1991 | 15,614 |
| 1992 | 15,989 |
| 1993 | 16,372 |
| 1994 | 16,770 |
| 1995 | 17,195 |
| 1996 | 17,654 |
| 1997 | 18,108 |
| 1998 | 18,524 |
| 1999 | 18,901 |
| 2000 | 19,178 |
| 2001 | 19,352 |
| 2002 | 19,503 |
| 2003 | 19,659 |
| 2004 | 19,820 |
| 2005 | 19,819 |
| 2006 | 19,593 |
| 2007 | 19,302 |
| 2008 | 19,009 |
| 2009 | 18,709 |
| 2010 | 18,396 |
| 2011 | 18,078 |
| 2012 | 17,765 |
| 2013 | 17,648 |
| 2014 | 17,715 |
| 2015 | 17,770 |
| 2016 | 17,797 |
| 2017 | 17,812 |
| 2018 | 17,814 |
| 2019 | 17,798 |
| 2020 | 17,792 |
| 2021 | 17,783 |
| 2022 | 17,759 |
| 2023 | 17,727 |
| 2024 | 17,695 |
Demographics
| Population | 17,727 |
| Population Growth Rate | -0.18% |
| Urban Population | 79.2% |
| Fertility Rate | 1.91 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 69.3 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 19.0 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | 99.8% |
Economy & Trade
$15,611
GDP Per Capita
-
Unemployment Rate
High income
Income Level
106.7%
Trade (% of GDP)
18,400
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
10.9%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
1.81
Physicians per 1,000
3.4%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
99.8%
Literacy Rate
19.0
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
100.0%
Electricity Access
82.6%
Internet Users
135
Mobile Subs per 100
38.5
People per km2
-19
Net Migration
Environment
90.5%
Forest Area
Other Countries in East Asia & Pacific
Palau in global context
Palau is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Palau has a population of 17,727, ranking #146 in the world. The annual population growth rate is -0.18%.
Life expectancy in Palau is 69.3 years. The infant mortality rate is 19.0 per 1,000 live births.
Palau's GDP per capita is $15,611. It is classified as a high income country by the World Bank.
79.2% of Palau's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 38.5 people per square kilometer.
The adult literacy rate in Palau is 99.8%. The country spends 3.4% of GDP on education.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
Palau is a country in East Asia & Pacific with a population of 17,727. Its population is shrinking, by roughly -0.2% a year.
Economically, Palau is high-income — GDP per capita is roughly $15,611. Life expectancy is 69.3 years, below the global average, with a fertility rate of 1.9 births per woman, and 79.2% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.