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Koror

Koror-Travel-Guide-Travel-S-Helper

Koror serves as the principal commercial hub of the Republic of Palau, situated in the western Pacific Ocean. Being the most populated state in Palau, Koror is not only a center of business but also an area rich in historical and cultural value. Comprising multiple islands, Koror Island (also Oreor Island) is the most well-known and is therefore very important for Palau’s existence and sense of identity.

In Palau’s oral traditions, Koror is regarded as one of the children of Milad, a man of significant local mythology significance. This link bestows Koror with a prominent position in Palauan people’s traditional beliefs. Further underscoring its cultural significance is the clan of the Ibedul, the paramount chief of Palau, which calls the state home.

Traditional communities scattered over both volcanic and rock island areas abound in Koror. Stone platforms known as odesongel, which function as clan cemetery, and other stone constructions used as shrines abound in these settlements among historical relics. Historically sought for its abundance of marine life, the lagoon encircling Koror is a vital resource region.

Along with Babeldaob and Peleliu, the first known sight of Koror by Western explorers was from the Spanish expedition headed by Ruy López de Villalobos in January 1543. Chartered as Los Arrecifes, which means “The Reefs” in Spanish, these islands A Spanish missionary expedition under Sargento Mayor Francisco Padilla explored further in 1710, then in more thorough detail by Spanish naval commander Bernardo de Egoy. These studies connected Koror to the larger background of Pacific European exploration.

Under the League of Nations, Koror became the seat of the South Seas Mandate, a territory Japan leased in 1919. Koror is the major town in Palau and the hub of its commercial activity even though Ngerulmud took over from Koror as the capital city in 2006. Koror’s population as of 2015 was 11,444, or 65% of Palau’s whole population. At coordinates 07°20′32′N 134°28′38′E, the town of Koror, sometimes Koror City, is home to about 11,200 people.

Among the various hamlets that comprise Koror are Dngeronger, Idid, Ikelau, Iyebukel, Medalaii, Meketii, Ngarkesoal, Ngerbeched (the capital), Ngerchemai, Ngerkebesang, and Ngermid. Spaced over the lagoon, from Babeldaob Island in the north to Beliliou Island in the south, these settlements include Though widely dispersed, Koror’s real landmass is somewhat small—consisting of hundreds of islands and islets, including the well-known Palau Rock Islands.

From the northern volcanic islands Koror, Ngerekebesang, and Ngemelachel to the southern surreal settings of the Rock Islands, Koror boasts a varied spectrum of geographic elements. With much of the vegetation removed for homes and gardens, the extensive land use over the past two centuries has fundamentally changed the form of Koror Island. On its northwest shore especially, Ngerekebesang Island still boasts sections of volcanic island forest.

With their high cliffs and sea-level notch, the Rock Islands show a startling scene of uplifted coralline limestone reefs. Rock island trees and vines cover these islands; some of them feature sinkholes containing wind-blown earth or sea lakes. Apart from supporting several ecosystems, its special surroundings draws visitors from all around the globe.

Most of Koror’s land today is used for urban development, with gardens scattered between homes and businesses. Key for utilizing the abundant lagoon resources and growing the tourism sector are the Rock Islands. Originally the capital of the South Seas Mandate, Koror continues to be a major component of Palau’s economy and mostly dependent on tourism. To serve a worldwide clientele, the state boasts many scuba diving businesses, hotels, pubs, restaurants, cafés, and resorts.

The biggest dolphin research center in the world, Dolphins Pacific welcomes visitors to swim and interact with trained dolphins, hence enhancing Koror’s attraction. The only jail in Palau, the Koror Jail has also evolved into a distinctive tourist attraction where prisoners build and market elaborate wooden storyboards.

United States Dollar (USD)

Currency

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Founded

488

Area code

11,444

Population

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Area

Palauan, English

Official language

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Elevation

UTC+9

Time zone

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