Palau, a tiny island nation in the Pacific’s Oceania region east of the Philippines, became independent in 1994. It was formerly part of a UN-trusteeship administered by the US and opted for independence in 1978, rather than becoming a part of the Federated States of Micronesia. The transition to independence was a slow but peaceful one, involving several referendum votes and the drafting and amending of a constitution.
Palau has no military of its own, but has signed an agreement with the US that makes the US responsible for its defense in exchange for allowing the US military access to the island.
