Palau vs United States
Palau has a population of 17K, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 20325.8 times more populous than Palau. United States covers 9,525,067 km², 20751.8 times larger than Palau's 459 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 9.1 years higher than Palau's 69.3 years.
PalauUnited States| Population | -100.0%17K | +2032476.3%340.1M |
| Area | -100.0%459 km² | +2075078.0%9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | — | $28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | -11.6%69.3 yrs | +13.2%78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +247.3%19.1 | -71.2%5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 4.2% |
| Capital | Ngerulmud | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Oceania | Americas |
| Languages | English, Palauan | English |
| Currencies | USD ($) | USD ($) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
United States is 20325.8 times more populous than Palau, with 340.1M residents compared to 17K. Palau is a nation of 17K people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Palau averages 36 people per km² (sparse), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). United States has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Palau.
Economy Comparison
Palau is classified as a low-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. United States's GDP stands at $28.75T. GDP data is not available for Palau. Economic indicator data is not available for Palau. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Palau is 69.3 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 9.1 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Palau (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 19.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Palau's infant mortality is 247% higher than United States's 5.5.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 20751.8 times larger by land area than Palau (459 km²). Palau shares borders with 0 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Palau spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Palau lies in Oceania, while United States is located in North America. Palau is categorized within the Oceania region (Micronesia), whereas United States belongs to Americas (North America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Palau and United States is in land area: Palau's 459 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Palau and United States is in population: Palau's 17K compared to United States's 340.1M represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Palau and United States is in infant mortality: Palau's 19.1 per 1,000 compared to United States's 5.5 per 1,000 represents a 71% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Palau's low-income economy and United States's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
Palau is 1.0x more densely populated than United States (36 vs 36 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United States's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of United States live an average of 9.1 years longer than those of Palau (78.4 vs 69.3 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Palau or United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Palau's 17K. United States is 20325.8 times more populous than Palau.
Which country has a higher GDP, Palau or United States?
GDP data is not available for Palau. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Palau and United States?
United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Palau's 69.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.1 years. Palau's life expectancy is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Palau or United States?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Palau's 459 km². United States is 20751.8 times larger than Palau.
What languages are spoken in Palau and United States?
Palau recognizes the following languages: English, Palauan. United States recognizes: English. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Palau or United States?
Palau has lower inflation at 2.2%, compared to United States's 2.9%. Palau's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while United States's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.