How Big Is Palau?
Palau, located in Australia-Oceania, is the 195th largest country in the world, covering approximately 459 square kilometers (177 square miles). That's about 2.6 times the size of District of Columbia. It is home to approximately 17,663 people.
Palau
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Palau on the Map
Palau's Geography
Palau has approximately 1,519 km of coastline. Within Australia, Palau is the 14th largest of 26 countries, sitting between Northern Mariana Islands and Niue. With 38 people per km², it is less densely populated than the Oceanian average of 114 per km².
How Long and Wide Is Palau?
Palau spans about 45 km (28 mi) from north to south — roughly the length of Lake Tahoe, and 20 km (12 mi) from east to west.
How Many Times Does Palau Fit?
Similar in Size
How Big Is Palau Compared to Well-Known Places?
| Place | Area | vs Palau |
|---|---|---|
| Palau | 459 km² (177 sq mi) | — |
| Rhode Island | 2,706 km² (1,045 sq mi) | 6× larger |
| Belgium | 30,528 km² (11,787 sq mi) | 67× larger |
| Switzerland | 41,277 km² (15,937 sq mi) | 90× larger |
| Netherlands | 41,543 km² (16,040 sq mi) | 91× larger |
More Countries in Australia
Length and width are measured from the outline on the map. Sources: World Bank (2024–2025), The World Factbook (2019–2022), Wikidata (2021–2023). How we calculate this
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Palau at a Glance
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 459 km² (177 sq mi) |
| World Size Rank | #195 of 236 |
| Capital | Melekeok |
| Population Density | 38 per km² |
| Population | 17,663 people |
| Coastline | 1,519 km |
| Life Expectancy | 69.4 years |
| GDP per Capita | $19,532 USD |