HomeCountries & Areas…Palau hide Palau Subscribe View Fact Sheet Embassies & Consulates Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs International Travel Information What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc. International Travel Information: Learn More Current Travel Advisories Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions Learn More U.S. Relationship U.S.-Palau Relations U.S. Assistance to Palau Bilateral Economic Relations U.S.-Palau Relations Following World War II, in 1947 under UN auspices as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the U.S. assumed administration of Palau. In 1982, Palau signed a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. Palau gained its independence and established diplomatic relations with the U.S. in 1994, with the entry into force of the Compact, under Following World War II, in 1947 under UN auspices as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the U.S. assumed administration of Palau. In 1982, Palau signed a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. Palau gained its independence and established diplomatic relations with the U.S. in 1994, with the entry into force of the Compact, under which the U.S. remains responsible for Palau’s defense for 50 years. Palau is a sovereign nation and conducts its own foreign relations. The U.S. and Palau cooperate on a broad range of issues, including strengthening regional security, promoting sustainable development and addressing climate change, and protecting fisheries and the environment. Approximately 500 Palauans serve as volunteers in the U.S. armed forces, and Palau also has one of the highest levels of voting coincidence with the U.S. at the United Nations. Collapse U.S.-Palau Relations Read more about U.S.-Palau Relations U.S. Assistance to Palau The U.S. and Palau signed a comprehensive review of the Compact in 2010, with a wide range of federal programs to continue for the next 15 years. By the end of 2011, the value of a trust fund set up under the Compact was approximately $147 million. Bilateral Economic Relations The Compact Review has identified U.S./Palauan cooperative efforts to promote trade and investment in Palau which will complement current initiatives to expand and develop a healthy economic partnership. Integrated Country Strategies The Integrated Country Strategy is the four-year strategy articulating U.S. priorities in a given country. The Chief of Mission leads the strategy. View Integrated Country Strategies Investment Climate Statements The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates. View Investment Climate Statements Discover More 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report View all Department Reports and Publications Highlights September 29, 2023 Palau National Day September 29, 2023 Digital Press Briefing with Daniel J. Kritenbrink, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Dr. Mira Rapp-Hooper, Special Assistant to the President and NSC Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania September 26, 2023 Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with the Republic of the Marshall Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ading, the Federated States of Micronesia President Simina, and Palau President Whipps September 26, 2023 Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina, Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr., and Republic of the Marshall Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Jack Ading Before Their Meeting June 23, 2023 Completion of the Palau Bilateral Economic Consultation Meetings VIEW ALL NEWS Tags Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Palau