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Palau Lifestyle and Culture

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Cultural Roots

For a small country, Palau has undergone a fascinating history. It was strictly controlled by the German Empire, flourished under the Japanese through economic development, and floundered for some time while debating between American administration and independence. Regardless of historic past events, Palau’s interesting culture has not been compromised.

The country has been inhabited for more than 3,000 years. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that European contact was first made with the archipelago. Its relatively small landmass and remoteness meant that Palau remained ‘hidden’ from colonial powers until well into the 18th century. The first European influence grew from Captain Henry Wilson, who shipwrecked off Ulong Island in 1783. Palau’s king asked the East Indian Company captain to take the prince of the country to England in 1784. Henry Wilson gave the archipelago the name ‘Pelew Islands’ after his departure.

In the 1800s, Britain, Spain, and Germany laid claim to the islands. However, it was Spain who ultimately gained control of Palau, with Britain and Germany sharing economic concessions. In 1898, Spain sold Palau to Germany following its defeat in the Spanish-American War. Unlike Spain, Germany started to overrule traditional laws, which saw the deterioration of traditional Palau culture.

The lifestyle

Without meaning to start with the blindingly obvious, there is something awesome about Palauanians. What makes them so? The culture is as infuriating as it is addictive, and the idiosyncrasies of these awesome people may well be what makes them so great. These are the ins and outs of that culture. Everyone around the world knows how to appreciate those closest to them, be they friends or family, but locals here take this more seriously than anything. This kinship is everything to the locals, and they aren’t shy of expressing it.

Traditional aspects of the country are still prominent in the everyday life of its people and society. Here a traditional government operates in conjunction with federal government. Unfortunately, political issues have consistently surfaced between these two forms of government over the last fifty or so years, most notably over land rights. The Palauan language is another unique aspect of traditional culture. Traditional matrilineal practices are still outstanding within modern Palau.

Of course, Japanese and American cultural influences have been main contributors to the modern-day mold of Palau. Much Asian and American cuisine is found throughout the islands. Baseball, which was introduced by the Japanese around the 1920s, is the national sport. Most locals are Christian, with this religion introduced by the Spanish in the 19th century and continued by the Germans and Japanese..

Etiquette

  • The most common greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact coupled with a smile.
  • Dress well as this affords the host respect.
  • Don’t discuss business at social events unless prompted to.
  • It is considered good manners to reciprocate any social invitation.

" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada

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