— Palau's traditional name is "The Republic of Palau," its capital city is Koror and the area is actually an archipelago comprised of some 343 islands spread across 100 miles.

— The origins of Palau's inhabitants is not entirely known, though most people believe they came to the region from Indonesia and may have inhabited the area as early as 1000 B.C.

— After a Spanish explorer came upon the islands in the 1500's, the country claimed the islands, but did not try to colonize them (though Spanish missionaries introduced Christianity and a written alphabet to the islanders).

— Over the centuries, Palau has been occupied by Germany and Japan. During World War II, parts of Palau became targets for Allied attacks. After the war, Palau developed its own constitution and is self-governing.

— Extraordinary diving sites are Palau's claim to fame; many dive experts believe the turquoise water and unspoiled reefs, blue holes, crystal caves and World War II wrecks make Palau the best dive site in the world.

— More than 1,300 different types of fish and sea life inhabit the region's waters.

— The "Rock Islands" are a Palau must-see. They are a group of small, round brush-covered islets.

— The average temperature in Palau is 82-degrees F and the humidity is high (generally around 82 percent).