National Flag of the Republic of Palau (1981)

An archipelago consisting of approximately 200 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, the Republic of Palau, occasionally referred to as Belau by the local population, was a former member of the United Nations authorised and United States administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

The Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands was formed after the Second World War, in 1947 and incorporated more than 2000 islands in the west and north-west Pacific Ocean; it included the Caroline, Marianas and Marshall Islands.

Palau achieved self-government and adopted its current national flag on the 1st of January 1981.

In 1993, Palau entered into a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which provided the nation with economic and defence assistance. 

The flag remained unchanged when Palau proclaimed its independence, in October 1994.

The Symbolic Meaning

Blue symbolises the political maturity of Palau, its passage from foreign control to independence.

The off centred yellow disc is the moon, a sign of national unity and, according to Palauan belief, represents the best time for traditional activities, such as fishing, harvesting, planting and festivals.