Palau National Capitol

Washington DC? No, Palau's political centre. This monumental building, which was constructed in 2006, is a replica of the American capitol. Visitors are often surprised by the imposing dome structure and the scale of the complex – such a large construction on a remote island. It is flanked by judicial, executive and legislative wings connected via a central open plaza and colonnaded breezeways. Most of the time it feels eerily empty.