Palau: economy

What is Palau's GDP?

Palau's nominal GDP was USD 322 million in fiscal year 2024, or USD 18,277 per person, according to the IMF's 2025 Article IV staff report (January 2026). Real GDP grew by 12.0% in FY2024 and an estimated 6.7% in FY2025, and the IMF projects 4.1% for FY2026.

Palau's fiscal year ends on 30 September. The IMF says growth has been driven by the recovery of tourism and construction after the pandemic, though FY2024 real GDP was still below its pre-pandemic level. It describes the economy as reliant on tourism, imports and external grants. Nominal GDP is estimated at USD 346.6 million in FY2025. The IMF table cites Graduate School USA and IMF staff estimates as its sources.

Official sources: IMF: Republic of Palau, 2025 Article IV consultation, Country Report No. 26/22 (PDF) · IMF: Republic of Palau 2025 Article IV consultation (report page)

How many tourists visit Palau?

Palau had 66,823 tourist arrivals in fiscal year 2025, up from 52,661 in FY2024 and 35,052 in FY2023, according to the selected indicators table in the IMF's 2025 Article IV staff report. Tourism receipts were an estimated USD 97.2 million in FY2025.

The IMF projects 83,529 arrivals in FY2026 and further rises after that; these are forecasts. Spending per arrival was an estimated USD 1,554 in FY2025. The report's charts, based on Palau Visitors Authority data, show that most visitors come from East Asia. The President's State of the Republic Address of July 2026 says arrivals fell to a few thousand in 2021 before recovering.

Official sources: IMF: Republic of Palau, 2025 Article IV consultation, Country Report No. 26/22 (PDF) · Office of the President: State of the Republic Address, 22 July 2026 (PDF)

What is Palau's economic growth rate?

The World Bank puts real GDP growth in Palau at 6.3% in 2025. The peak was 12.0% in 2024 and the low -11.9% in 2021. East Asia & Pacific median: 3.6%; Palau is 4th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 30th of 180.

What is GDP per capita in Palau?

The World Bank puts GDP per person in Palau at $19,532 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: $6,547; Palau is 7th highest of 29. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 54th highest.

How does Palau's income per person compare after prices?

According to the World Bank, GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Palau was $23,052 in international dollars in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 10th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is $14,200 in international dollars. Worldwide: 79th of 179.

What share of Palau's economy is exports?

The World Bank puts exports of goods and services in Palau at 32.7% of GDP in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2012, at 55.8% of GDP; its low point was 2021, at 6.6% of GDP. It is 13th highest of 25 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 32.7% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 86th of 162.

Does Palau have a current account surplus or deficit?

In 2023, the current account balance in Palau was -48.6% of GDP, according to the IMF, which is a deficit. That is the lowest since at least 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 1.2% of GDP; Palau is 26th highest of 26. Worldwide: 172nd of 172.

What is FDI in Palau?

16.6% of GDP: that is net inflows of foreign direct investment in Palau for 2025, according to the IMF. The peak was 30.1% of GDP in 2022 and the low 1.5% of GDP in 2010. It is 2nd highest of 28 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 1.9% of GDP. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 8th highest.