Koror

Koror is the state comprising the main commercial centre of the Republic of Palau. It consists of several islands, the most prominent being Koror Island (also Oreor Island).

The state of Koror (population 14,000 as of 2004) contains about 70% of the population of the country. The nation's former capital and largest town, also called Koror is located here. The town has a population of 11,200 and is located at .[1] On 7 October 2006, Ngerulmud replaced Koror as Palau's capital city.

The island of Koror is connected by bridges to two neighbouring islands:

Koror Island is also connected by the Koror-Babeldaob Bridge to the state of Airai in the island of Babeldaob, where Palau International Airport is located.

Besides the former capital Koror and the town of Meyuns, there are a total of 11 hamlets in the state of Koror:

Koror was the capital of the South Pacific Mandate during the period of rule by the Empire of Japan.

Contents

Tourism

Much of Palau's economy comes from tourism. Diving in the state of Koror is one of the most spectacular experiences to go through. The Rock Islands of Palau are all located in the state. Scuba diving shops and facilities are located all over Koror. Accommodation like hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes, and resorts are all available. Dolphins Pacific, the world's largest dolphin research facility, is open for tourists who are interested in swimming and interacting with trained dolphins.[2] Most tourists to Palau stay in Koror, which is the centre for Palau's resort services and house modern conveniences. Koror has businesses that cater to speakers of many languages.[3]

By 2001, the Koror Jail, Palau's only correctional facility, has become a tourist destination thanks to inmates who create and sell elaborate wooden storyboards at a retail facility located on the jail's grounds.[4]

Climate

Climate data for Koror
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 27.5
(81.5)
27.1
(80.8)
27.6
(81.6)
28.6
(83.4)
29.0
(84.2)
29.3
(84.7)
29.2
(84.5)
29.2
(84.6)
29.1
(84.4)
29.1
(84.4)
27.3
(81.1)
28.2
(82.8)
28.43
(83.17)
Average low °C (°F) 22.8
(73.1)
22.7
(72.9)
22.7
(72.9)
22.9
(73.3)
23.4
(74.1)
23.9
(75.1)
23.8
(74.8)
24
(75)
24.1
(75.3)
23.8
(74.8)
22.5
(72.5)
23.2
(73.8)
23.31
(73.97)
Precipitation mm (inches) 295
(11.6)
211
(8.3)
196
(7.7)
236
(9.3)
345
(13.6)
376
(14.8)
445
(17.5)
378
(14.9)
333
(13.1)
345
(13.6)
292
(11.5)
310
(12.2)
3,762
(148.1)
Source: Weatherbase [5]

Demographics

In 2002, of the 17,000 people living in Palau, 68% lived in Koror.[3]

Economy

Belau Air has its headquarters in Koror,[6] as did the short-lived Pacific Flier in 2010.[7]

Sister city

References