The pretty island that spent £45m building its own US Capitol for just 29 politicians
Nearly 9,000 miles from Washington DC, this island capital houses a tropical replica of the heart of American democracy.
Buried deep in the western Pacific lies a complete reconstruction of the U.S. Capitol, built for just 29 politicians. The Capitol of Palau, built in 2006, was modelled after the American architectural marvel and sits amongst lush greenery.
Taking two decades to build, the Capitol was the subject of significant political drama.
It cost the government $45m to build and now sits in Palau’s administrative capital of Ngerulmud, governing several hundred islands.
However, it only houses 29 politicians, roughly one for every thousand inhabitants.
The Capitol itself is an intriguing building, described as “one of the most ludicrous constructions to have ever graced the planet” by travel blog AlluringWorld, it skilfully blends local culture and classical architecture.
Featuring all the iconic qualities of the U.S. Capitol, like Doric columns and a stunning double dome, its isolated position at the top of a hill allows visitors to admire the building without distraction.
The main façade has a pretty pattern painted just below the flat roof, whilst the entire building is a little more colourful than its American counterpart.
Done in a beautiful sand colour, the Palau Capitol also enjoys aquamarine accents on its windows.
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This building, however, is not the islands’ only attraction.
Situated in the heart of Oceania, Palau is renowned for its marine life. Divers flock to the islands to see a whole rainbow of corals and tropical fish, and to Jellyfish Lake.
Home to thousands of eerie-yet-beautiful orange jellyfish, this spot is famous amongst snorkelling enthusiasts.
