U.S. Department of State

After World War II, in 1947, the United States took over Palau as a trust territory of the Pacific Islands under the auspices of the United Nations. In 1982, Palau signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States. In 1994, Palau gained independence and established diplomatic relations with the United States, and the agreement came into effect, with the United States responsible for Palau’s defense for 50 years. Palau is a sovereign state and handles its foreign relations independently. The United States and Palau cooperate on a wide range of issues, including strengthening regional security, promoting sustainable development and addressing climate change, protecting fisheries and the environment. About 500 Palauans have volunteered to join the U.S. Armed Forces, and Palau is also one of the countries with the highest overlap in voting with the United States at the United Nations.