When did Palau become an independent country?

Palau achieved full independence in October 1994.12

While the country became internally self-governing on January 1, 1981, following the adoption of its constitution and the establishment of a local government, it remained under the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands administered by the United States for several more years. The path to full sovereignty was finalized after voters approved the Compact of Free Association in 1993, which resolved long-standing conflicts regarding the country's constitutional prohibition on nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed vessels. Following this approval, Palau formally gained its independence in October 1994 and subsequently joined the United Nations in December of that same year.12