A hidden paradise...

Palauan Pride

I'm from Palau aka Belau, a paradise that most people have never heard of.  Although I was born and raised in Seattle, both of my parents were born and raised in Palau, so I've grown up with Palauan as well as American customs.  Palau is a part of the Micronesian Islands. My dad's side of the family is from Koror (the capital) and Ngiwal, my mom's side is from Ngeremlengui.  Palauans are a fun-loving people, family is the most important part of our lives, our elders are highly respected, and being kind to others is very important.  

"Belau my island, paradise of the sea. Beautiful people so strong and free.  We give our hearts to you, whether young or old.  I pledge my life to you, for you all my soul.  My emerald island, it's planned a call to me, its rain gets feathered when love shines through. Your golden moonlight and your bountiful sea, Belau my island, you are heaven to me." ~ Belau My Island by Johnny B.

Location: Palau is a group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines.

Land Area:458 sq. km.

Natural resources: forest, minerals, marine products, and deep-sea bed minerals.

Ethnic Groups: Palauans are a composite of Polynesian, Malayan, and Melanesian races.

Religions: Christian(Catholics, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Assembly of God, the Liebenzell Mission, and Latter-Day Saints), Modekngei religion (one-third of the population observes this religion which is indigenous to Palau)

President: Kuniwo Nakamura

Languages: Palauan and English. Many of the older people speak Japanese.

Social Structure: Palauan villages are organized around 10 clans, which are organized matrilineally. You belong to the clan your mother belongs to. People tend to be closer to their mother's side rather than their father's.The powerful traditional leaders are High Chief Ibedul of Koror (who would traditionally be the 'King' of Palau), Bilung (the Queen..{in my opinion, she's a snob who could be nicer if she tried}), the Reklai of Melekeok, and Ngirturong of Ngeremlengui From what I've heard, Ngeremlengui sticks to tradition way more than the other states, thus the traditional leader has more influence over their state than the President. Also, women have considerable influence over land and titles. The highest ranking women have titles similar to the male Chiefs, and they are the ones who select the new male Chiefs. High ranking women wear the ancient moneybeads around their neck to show their position in their Clan.

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