According to my research Palau is a series of islands in the Western caroline chain.
Palau - often referred to as Belau - consists of the far-western portion of the Caroline Islands, including the larger islands of:
-Angaur,
-Babulthuap,
-Eil Malk,
-Koror,
-Peleiu**
-Urukthapel.
For over 30 years it was a part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific under United States administration. It finally gained its total independence in 1994.
Palau is a beautiful tropical paradise, and one of the true unspoiled destinations on the planet. Most of the 100-plus islands are small low-lying coral islands, ringed by barrier reefs. The exception is mountainous Babulthuap, volcanic in origin.
**Peleiu is the best know island because a major battle took place when the U.S. Marines invaded the island in 1944.
Here’s a good link to the battle then and the island of Pelieu today:
D’oh, I left out the word “chain” as in “island chain”. Thanks for spotting that.
Drew,
I didn’t post my message to “up-stage” you.
I merely enjoy WW-II history and the Pacific campaign especially. So I threw the stats up for anyone who might also be interested in the geography of the area.