Which small Pacific country moved its capital to Ngerulmud in 2006? Palau. Ngerulmud became Palau’s capital when the government moved from Koror to a new capitol complex in October 2006.
Palau’s 1979 Constitution directed the country to establish a permanent capital on Babeldaob, its largest island, within ten years. Planning began in the 1980s, but construction progressed slowly because Palau had limited technical resources and had to import many building materials. The site lies in Melekeok State, about 20 kilometers northeast of Koror.
The National Capitol complex officially opened on October 7, 2006. It contains separate buildings for Palau’s legislature, executive branch, and judiciary, arranged around a central plaza. Taiwan provided a major loan that helped finance the project, whose final cost exceeded US$45 million.
A common mix-up is calling Koror the current capital: Koror remains Palau’s largest city and commercial center, but Ngerulmud is the seat of national government. Ngerulmud is also notable for having no permanent fixed population, making it one of the world’s least-populous national capitals.