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
Palau Climate
Palau has an average annual temperature of 26.3°C (79°F) and receives about 3572 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is April and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
26.3°C
Avg Temp
3572
Precip (mm/yr)
Apr
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 25° / 78° | 275 mm |
| February | 26° / 79° | 219 mm |
| March | 27° / 80° | 196 mm |
| April | 27° / 81° | 222 mm |
| May | 27° / 81° | 279 mm |
| June | 27° / 80° | 419 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 421 mm |
| August | 26° / 80° | 363 mm |
| September | 26° / 79° | 288 mm |
| October | 26° / 79° | 327 mm |
| November | 26° / 79° | 267 mm |
| December | 25° / 78° | 296 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Palau
The most comfortable months to visit Palau are typically March, February and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is April (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near 22°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
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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.
The most comfortable months to visit Palau are typically March, February and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Palau has an average annual temperature of 26.3°C and about 3572 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically April and the coldest is January.
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.