Tag Archives: Palau

According to topschoolsintheusa.com, Palau is a small island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of more than 500 islands and islets spread across an area of 459 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in the world. The main islands are Angaur, Babeldaob, Koror, and Peleliu. Palau’s terrain is mostly mountainous with narrow coastal plains and limestone plateaus. The highest point in Palau is Mount Ngerchelchuus which stands at 242 meters above sea level while its lowest point is Philippine Sea at 0 meters above sea level. Palau has a population of approximately 21 thousand people with a literacy rate of 97%. The official language spoken here is Palauan however there are also several other languages such as English, Japanese and Filipino which are widely spoken across different parts of the country. The country has many different religions including Christianity (the majority religion), Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism among others. The educational system in Palau consists of three levels: primary education (grade 1-6), secondary education (grade 7-10) and tertiary education (universities). Primary education in Palau is free for all citizens up to grade 6 after which students have to pay tuition fees for further studies at any level. There are currently two universities operating in the country offering undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs as well as specialized courses such as medical or engineering programs. The government has taken several measures to ensure access to quality education for all citizens regardless of their economic or social status such as increasing public spending on education from 2% of GDP in 2001 to 5% currently; launching “Teach For Palau” program which seeks to increase access to quality teachers; introducing “Incentive Based Education” program that provides financial assistance for students from disadvantaged backgrounds; providing free textbooks for primary schools; offering scholarships for higher studies; setting up vocational training centers across country etc. Overall, despite some challenges faced by Palaun educational system due its lack of resources or infrastructure it still offers quality educational opportunities that can help students acquire necessary skills and knowledge required for success both locally and globally. See top-engineering-schools for Palau Population and Geography.