Palau

Islam in Palau is very small but present as part of the country’s diverse religious landscape. Here are the key points:

1. Muslim Population:

  • The Muslim community in Palau is tiny, estimated at around 400–500 people in a total population of about 18,000.
  • Most Muslims are migrant workers from Bangladesh, as well as a few from the Philippines and other parts of South and Southeast Asia.
  • There are few or no native Palauan Muslims; Islam is primarily practiced by these foreign workers.

2. Religious Affiliation:

  • The Muslims in Palau are predominantly Sunni.
  • There is no significant presence of other Islamic sects like Shi’a or Ahmadiyya.

3. Mosques and Prayer Spaces:

  • Palau has at least one known mosque, located in the capital city, Ngerulmud, or nearby urban centers like Koror.
  • The mosque serves the needs of the Muslim expatriate community for daily prayers, Jumu’ah (Friday prayers), and Ramadan activities.

4. Religious Freedom:
Palau’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, allowing Muslims to practice their faith without legal restrictions.

The Muslim community coexists peacefully with the majority Christian population, particularly Roman Catholics and Protestants.

5. Community Life:

  • Muslims in Palau celebrate Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, often in close-knit gatherings.
  • Due to the small size of the community, Islamic services, halal food access, and religious education are limited but improving gradually as the community maintains its presence.

6. Challenges:

  • Halal food availability is limited, and sometimes special arrangements have to be made for imported products.
  • Islamic education and cultural activities are minimal because of the small size of the community.
  • Muslims sometimes have to rely on self-organized religious events due to the lack of formal Islamic institutions.

7. Interfaith Relations:

  • Palau is known for its religious tolerance, and Muslims report peaceful coexistence with other religious groups.
  • There are no reports of significant religious discrimination or conflict involving Muslims in Palau.

Palau
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .pw
Country Code: +680