Ngerulmud - The Capital of Palau
- Population
- 391
- Language
- Palauan
- Continent
- Oceania
- Since
- 2006
- Eco Ranking
- -
Source: Environmental Performance Index 2024.
About Ngerulmud
Ngerulmud is the world's least populous national capital, with a permanent population of approximately 391 people. It became the capital of Palau in 2006 when the new Capitol Complex was completed in Melekeok State on Babeldaob, the main island of Palau. The move replaced Koror, the former capital, which sits on a smaller island and had served as the administrative center since the colonial period. The relocation was intended to shift the seat of government to Babeldaob, where most of Palau's land area is located, and was accompanied by the construction of a road network across the island funded by Japanese development aid. The Capitol Complex was modeled partly on the United States Capitol, reflecting Palau's close constitutional and strategic relationship with the United States. Palau operates under a Compact of Free Association with the US, signed in 1994, under which the United States is responsible for Palau's defense and Palauan citizens may serve in the US military. Palau's government is fully functioning despite the capital's tiny size, the president, Congress (Senate and House of Delegates), and Supreme Court all operate from Ngerulmud or nearby. Palau was the last territory to leave the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, achieving independence in 1994.
About Palau
Palau is a presidential republic in free association with the United States. The Compact of Free Association, first signed in 1994 and renewed in 2023, gives the US responsibility for Palau's defense and allows unrestricted Palauan migration to the US, in exchange for US military access rights in the region. Palau has 16 states and a bicameral national congress. The country is notable geopolitically for its recognition of Taiwan rather than the People's Republic of China, one of only a handful of countries that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taipei. Palau has a population of approximately 18,000.
View Ngerulmud on the map
Flight time from Ngerulmud to other capitals
| City | Distance (km) | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 3200 | 3h 46m |
| Singapore | 3500 | 4h 7m |
| Canberra | 5000 | 5h 53m |
| Abu Dhabi | 8700 | 10h 14m |
| Rome | 12000 | 14h 7m |
| London | 12200 | 14h 21m |
| Paris | 12200 | 14h 21m |
| Cape Town | 12900 | 15h 11m |
| Washington, D.C. | 13900 | 16h 21m |
| Buenos Aires | 16700 | 19h 39m |
Capitals with similar population to Ngerulmud
| City | Population |
|---|---|
| Valletta | 6,444 |
| Funafuti | 6,320 |
| Vaduz | 5,696 |
| San Marino | 4,061 |
| Yaren | 1,100 |
| Vatican City | 825 |
| Ngerulmud | 391 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ngerulmud the capital of Palau?
Ngerulmud became Palau's capital in 2006 when the government relocated from Koror to a new Capitol Complex built in Melekeok State on Babeldaob, Palau's main island. The move was intended to shift the administrative center to the largest island, where development was being concentrated with support from Japanese aid.
How small is Ngerulmud?
Ngerulmud has a permanent population of approximately 391 people, making it the least populous national capital in the world. Despite its size, it houses the full national government of Palau, including the Capitol Complex where the president, congress, and supreme court operate.
What is Palau's Compact of Free Association with the United States?
The Compact of Free Association, signed in 1994 and renewed in 2023, defines the relationship between Palau and the United States. Under the Compact, the US is responsible for Palau's defense and provides economic assistance. Palauan citizens may live and work freely in the United States and serve in the US military. In exchange, the US has strategic access rights to Palau's territory.
When did Palau become independent?
Palau became independent on October 1, 1994, becoming the last component of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands to gain independence. The Trust Territory had been administered by the United States since after World War II, when it was taken from Japan.
Does Palau recognize Taiwan or China?
Palau recognizes Taiwan (the Republic of China) rather than the People's Republic of China. It is one of only a small number of countries in the world that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taipei. This position is in part connected to Palau's close relationship with the United States.
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