Palau/Society

Society in Palau

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
17.7K(2023)
Population Growth
-0.2%(2023)
Fertility Rate
1.91(2023)
Death Rate
11.5 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-14(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
69.3 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
22.3 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
89 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure (as share of GDP)
14.3%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
97%(2015)
Primary Enrollment
94.9%(2014)
Secondary Enrollment
93.9%(2023)
Tertiary Enrollment
34.6(2023)
Education Expenditure (as share of GDP)
3.4%(2023)

Living Standards & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
27%(2004)
Access to Electricity
100%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
99.6%(2022)
Urban Population
14.6K(2023)
Rural Population
3.1K(2023)

Current Snapshot Overview

A summary of key social and demographic indicators for Palau

  • Palau has an estimated population of 18K
    2023
    . The population exhibits near-stagnant growth at -0.2%
    2023
    , signaling potential demographic headwinds and an aging trend. A below-replacement fertility rate of 1.9 births per woman
    2023
    suggests gradual population aging and potential future workforce shortages. Net emigration is relatively minor, impacting the population by approximately 14 individuals annually (or -0.8 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    .
  • Regarding public health, Healthcare outcomes show foundational progress with a life expectancy of 69.3 years
    2023
    , yet significant disparities or developmental gaps may still exist. Concurrently, maternal and child health indicators show solid progress, with child mortality (under 5 years) at 22.3 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality at 89 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    , indicating improving but still developing services. These outcomes are supported by a substantial health investment, with 14.3% of GDP allocated to healthcare expenditure
    2022
    .
  • Strong educational foundations are evident in the high adult literacy rate of 97%
    2015
    , which significantly contributes to human capital development. Complementing this, educational access shows solid progress through 95% primary enrollment
    2014
    and 94% secondary participation rates
    2023
    . This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 3.4% of GDP
    2023
    , which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, as a highly urbanized society with 82% of the population residing in urban areas
    2023
    , the country benefits from concentrated economic activity, efficient service delivery, and innovation potential. Furthermore, basic infrastructure coverage includes 100% electricity access
    2023
    . However, digital connectivity at {currentInternet}% internet penetration
    2004
    indicates significant opportunities for further digital transformation and economic inclusion.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

Managing demographic trends is crucial for long-term economic planning and workforce stability.

Public Health System

Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.

Human Capital Formation

A highly educated populace positions the nation for success in the global knowledge economy. Keeping talent is a vital strength.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.