Palau

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.