Koror

Koror

Koror, previously Corrora, is one of the Caroline Islands, part of Palau. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, southwest of the island of Babelthuap. The city of Koror served as the temporary capital of Palau until 2006, when its capital was relocated to Melekeok on the eastern island of Babelthuap. Partly coral limestone, partly volcanic, Koror covers an area of 8 square kilometers, and reaches a height of 140 meters. Koror's harbor has a number of large natural anchorages, of which the most important is Ngemelachel. Koror is home to nearly three quarters of Palau's population and has one of the highest population densities in Micronesia. Much of Palau's economy comes from tourism, and the Rock Islands of Palau are all located in the Koror State. Dive shops and dive facilities are situated throughout Koror, and Dolphins Pacific, the largest dolphin research facility in the world, is open to tourists interested in swimming and interacting with trained dolphins. Most tourists arriving on Palau stay in Koror, which is the hub of Palau's resort services. In Palau's oral tradition, Koror is one of Milad's children, and therefore occupies an important place in traditional lore. Furthermore, Koror is home to the clan of the Ibedul, the high chief of Palau. Koror has many traditional villages on volcanic and rocky islands. Several of the stone platforms serve as clan cemeteries, and other stone features as shrines. The lagoon is a major area of resources and was most likely intensively exploited prehistorically.