| GEOGRAPHY |
Palau, the westernmost
cluster of the six major island groups that
make up the Caroline Islands, lies 1000km
(600 miles) east of the Philippines. The
archipelago stretches over 650km (400 miles)
from the atoll of Kayangel to the islet
of Tobi. The Palau islands include more
than 200 islands, of which only eight are
inhabited. With three exceptions, all of
the islands are located within a single
barrier reef and represent two geological
formations. The largest are volcanic and
rugged with interior jungle and large areas
of grassed terraces. The Rock Islands, now
known as the Floating Garden Islands, are
of limestone formation, while Kayangel,
at the northernmost tip, is a classic coral
atoll. |
