The country approaches 100% Covid-19 vaccination, emerging as one of the most vaccinated places in the world with more than 99% of the eligible population fully protected; among the total 18.000 inhabitants, nearly 15.000 have been fully vaccinated

A new voter database system, GVRS Hybrid, has replaced the older software; according to the Palau Election Commission, it improves registration tracking introducing major upgrades in voter data management, fraud prevention and election transparency

Over 82 tons of unexploded bombs have been removed from a sunken ship in Malakal Harbor, ending a seven-year operation of the Japan Mine Action Service: the Japanese merchant vessel converted for wartime use during WWII had sunk with 469 depth charges

Cesarean section birth rate in Palau has risen to 42% —from 33% in 2020 to 42% in 2021— with WHO estimating a world average of10%; Palau is thus among the countries with the highest rates globally, raising concerns about women’s health and birth outcomes

Speaking at a panel with the advertising industry at Cairns Crocodiles - an international festival - sitting President of Palau stressed the importance of consistent campaigns as powerful tools to address climate issues with impacting results