Sonsorol

Sonsorol is one of the six municipalities of Palau, located in the southwestern Caroline Islands. It consists of the inhabited island of Sonsorol and the uninhabited islands of Fanna, Melieli, and Dongosaru. The municipality is situated approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) southwest of the main island of Babeldaob. The total land area of Sonsorol municipality is about 3.1 square kilometers (1.2 square miles). The islands are low-lying coral atolls, with Sonsorol Island being the largest and the site of the main village.

The population of Sonsorol is small, with most inhabitants residing on Sonsorol Island. The traditional economy relies heavily on fishing and subsistence agriculture, including taro and breadfruit cultivation. The community maintains a distinct cultural identity, with its own language, Sonsorolese, which is part of the Palauan language family.

Sonsorol experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The islands are vulnerable to tropical storms and the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise. Access to Sonsorol is primarily by boat, and regular transportation is limited, making it one of the more remote municipalities in Palau. The municipality plays a role in Palau's broader political and administrative structure, contributing to the nation's decentralized governance.