Palau Constitution Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Palau

Constitution Day is annually observed on July 9. On this day, the majority of public events take place in the capital city of Ngerulmud and the city of Koror, with citizens taking the day off to spend time with their families. The national holiday commemorates Palau’s journey to independence from the United States through popular referendums. In 1981, Palau decided not to join the rest of Micronesia and instead adopted its own constitution, modelled after the American constitution and delineating its free association relationship with the United States.

The background of Palau Constitution Day

The Republic of Palau was inhabited by individuals from Southeast Asia between 3,000 and 4,500 years ago, according to archaeological evidence. The ancient Palauans engaged in extensive agricultural terracing using shell and stone-based technology. The first Europeans to reach Palau were the Spaniards, who ruled the territory until 1899, when the islands were acquired by Germany.

At the beginning of the First World War in 1914, the Japanese conquered the islands. Palau developed modern infrastructure and industries under their rule, and Japan’s dominance lasted for decades. In 1935, one of the most densely populated islands, the island of Koror, had more than four times as many Japanese as natives. During World War II, the Japanese used Palau as a strategic military base to initiate their operations in the Philippines. After the defeat of the Axis Powers in 1947, Palau became a territory administered by the United States.

Palau adopted a new constitution in 1981, but a preliminary Compact of Free Association with the United States was not agreed upon until 1986. 73% of those who voted in favour of amending the constitution to enable approval of the Compact were from Palau. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court would declare this amendment unconstitutional, causing years of conflict in the small island nation. Palau eventually complied with U.S. demands, and on October 1, 1994, Palau attained autonomy in free association with the United States.

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5 AUTHENTIC FACTS ABOUT PALAU

Palau is the only nation whose constitution prohibits nuclear activity, including nuclear energy production, testing, and the development of nuclear weapons.

Women are the decision-makers in Palau culture, as evidenced by their matrilineal funeral, marriage, and inheritance practises.

The United States is responsible for defending Palau from military threats and foreign invasions under the Compact of Free Association.

In 2009, Palau established the first shark sanctuary in the world by prohibiting commercial shark fishing in its territorial waters.

The only prison in Palau is a popular tourist destination due to the exquisite wooden carvings sold by convicts at the prison’s retail outlet.

PALAU CONSTITUTION DAY DATES