Palau

Known in the past as Belau, Palaos, or Pelew, Palau is an island nation and microstate in the western Pacific. Its official name is the Republic of Palau. The country, which connects the western Caroline Islands group to some of the Federated States of Micronesia, includes around 340 islands. The Micronesia region includes the archipelago of Palau, which consists of around 500 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The commercial center of the island and location of its former capital, also called Koror, is Koror Island. The larger Babeldaob, which is on its east bank, is home to Ngerulmud, the nation's present capital, as well as rocky mountains and sandy beaches. To the north, the Badrulchau are ancient basalt monoliths that stand in lush meadows surrounded by palm trees.

Since the nation's foundation, the police—which includes a 30-man Maritime Surveillance Unit for internal security—have been the only troops authorized. The Pacific-class patrol boat President H.I. Remeliik is operated by the Maritime Surveillance, which is armed with small arms. Palau does have a Palau National Police division, which was established to offer the necessary protection for civilians despite the absence of a national military force. The Palau National Police force, like most police forces, is required to maintain order and deal with any potential internal unrest. Palau would need assistance from other nations to provide some sort of defense system if war were to ever break out.