Palau (officially, the Republic of Palau) is divided into 16 states. These states are: Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu and Sonsorol. The Republic of Palau consists of approximately 340 islands and is the western part of the Caroline Islands, while the eastern and central parts make up the Federated States of Micronesia. It has a total area of 466 square kilometers (180 sq mi), making it the sixteenth smallest country in the. Rechad er Belau, or Palauans, are the indigenous people of Belau, the traditional name by which we call our nation, which is now known as the Republic of Palau. We are a sovereign people who gained independence in 1994. In 1997 the country joined the International Monetary Fund. Kiribati, which is part of Micronesia, also includes the Line Islands and Phoenix Islands, which are part of Polynesia. These being, upland forests, Rock Island forests, wetlands, streams, lakes, estuaries, mangrove forests, lagoons and beaches.
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