Ngerulmud is the capital of the Pacific island nation of Palau – and it is one of the least populated capitals in the world with 390 residents.
According to the Daily Express, Koror was originally the capital of Palau and remains its commercial hub. However, plans to move government offices to Ngerulmud began in 1986, and by 2006 the capital had officially been moved following the unveiling of the majestic domed buildings. Despite its status, Ngerulmud remains largely uninhabited, earning it a reputation as a unique capital due to its small population and minimal activity.
The decision to move the capital from Koror was made in accordance with the country's 1979 constitution, which directed the Palau National Congress to establish a permanent capital in Babeldaob within ten years.
Planning for the new capital began in 1986, when a contract was awarded to a Hawaiian architectural firm. Progress was slow due to a shortage of engineers and architects in Palau and the need to import most of the building materials.
Only in the early 2000s did Palau receive a $20 million loan from Taiwan in an attempt to strengthen relations between the two countries.
The complex, which cost more than $45 million, includes separate buildings for the Olbiil-era Kelulau (the country's legislature), as well as the judicial and executive branches of government, all connected by a central open plaza.
The official opening took place on 7 October 2006, attended by over 5000 people. Shortly afterwards, government officials moved their offices from Koror to Ngerulmud.
However, in 2013, a capitol building unsuitable for the local climate plunged Palau into debt, and a malfunctioning ventilation system recently led to a mold infestation.
In April 2013, as part of a cost-cutting measure, the Ngerulmuda post office was permanently closed. Opened in December 2011, it was one of only two in the country (the other was in Koror). In its 16 months of operation, expenses exceeded $30 and revenues, mostly from stamps, amounted to less than $000.
Interestingly, Ngerulmud is the only settlement in Palau to have its own postal code, while the rest of the country uses only one number.
In July 2014, Ngerulmud was the site of the official opening of the 45th Pacific Islands Forum. Despite this, most of the forum's activities took place in Koror, with the leader's field residence taking place in Peleliu State.