Koror[1][2] is the state comprising the main commercial centre of the Republic of Palau.

[5] The first sighting of Koror, Babeldaob, and Peleliu recorded by Westerners was by the Spanish expedition of Ruy López de Villalobos at the end of January, 1543.

[6] In November and December 1710 these three islands were again visited and explored by a Spanish missionary expedition commanded by Sargento Mayor Francisco Padilla on board the patache Santísima Trinidad.

Two years later they were explored in detail by the expedition of Spanish naval officer Bernardo de Egoy.

LtCol Earl Hancock Ellis, the first Director of Marine Corps Intelligence, died on Koror in May 1923.

Koror encompasses perhaps the most varied range of geography in Micronesia with many different kinds of physical and social settings.

The Rock Islands consist of uplifted coralline limestone reef with shear cliffs rising above a characteristic sea-level notch.

The ground is not covered by soil, but instead consists of dog-toothed sharp chunks of reef which have broken off of the crags and spires jutting skyward in an unpredictable maze.

[5] Presently, most land in Koror is involved in urban development with gardens interspersed with houses and business.

The Rock Islands offer valuable areas for exploiting the rich lagoon, and for the development of the tourist industry.

A network of secondary roads extends throughout the residential areas, and causeways connect Koror to Ngerekebesang and Ngemelachel Islands.

The major harbor facility for Palau is located on the east side of Ngemelachel Island.

As with many areas with this climate type, temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the course of the year, averaging roughly 27 °C (81 °F).

[22] This article incorporates public domain material from Snyder, David; Adams, William Hampton; Butler, Brian M. (1997).