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Nauru flag

Nauru

Capital:no official capital; government offices in the Yaren District
Population:10,824
Currency:Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language:Nauruan (official, a distinct Pacific Island language), English widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposes
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Nauru.

Nauru Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Nauru is an oval-shaped coral island with an area of only eight (8) square miles. About half of Nauru's population are Nauruans or people of mixed Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian ancestry. They follow Christian religion and most speak the Nauruan language and English. The other half of the people are temporary residents from other pacific islands who come to Nauru for limited periods to work in the phosphate industry.

Most of the people live along the coastline.

The government provided Naurans with free medical care and modern homes at low rents. Children between the ages of 6 and 17 attend school. The government pays for students to attend college in other countries. The government has used the revenues for the phosphate exports to provide these services but the deposits on the island are being depleted. When they are gone the people will have to find other ways to support themselves.

Early Nauruans traced their descent on the female side. They believed in a female deity, Eijebong, and a spirit land, also an island, called Buitani. Because of poor diet, alcohol abuse, and a sedentary lifestyle, Nauru has one of the world's highest levels of diabetes, renal failure and heart disease, exceeding 40% of the population.

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The World's Smallest Republic, Rich in Phosphate and Spirit

Get More Customs and Culture

4 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    1/31

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • January 31st

What should I know about eating in Nauru?

Most food is now imported, with rice as a basic staple and fish with rice being a standard meal.

Good to know

  • Native foods include fish, coconut, shellfish, breadfruit, and pandanus
  • Pandanus pulp is preserved as a date-like paste, mixed with coconut cream as a sweet, or made into flour usually served as a drink

How is family life organized in Nauru?

All Nauruans belong to a matrilineal clan, and households center on the mother, who is the decision-making head and manages economic and social affairs.

Do

  • Recognize the mother as the central and honored figure in the household

Good to know

  • Clan affiliation is traced through the female line and lasts a lifetime, unchanged by marriage
  • Children belong to the mother's lineage
  • Land is inherited by both sons and daughters, but only daughters can pass on rights without extended family consent
  • Marriage today is largely a Christian affair

What gestures and social respect should I be aware of in Nauru?

Children are expected to honor and respect their elders, and mothers are particularly honored.

Do

  • Show respect to elders
  • Show particular honor to mothers

What should I know before visiting Nauru?

Nauru is a small oval coral island of about eight square miles where most people live along the coastline; the population is mainly Nauruans of mixed Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian ancestry, plus temporary workers in the phosphate industry.

Good to know

  • Most Nauruans follow Christianity
  • Most people speak the Nauruan language and English
  • Nauru has very high rates of diabetes, renal failure, and heart disease, exceeding 40% of the population

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Nauru

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
Australian dollar (AUD)
Time Difference
UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
tropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to February)
Airports
1
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History

Historical Eras

  1. Prehistoric & Tribal

    1000 – 1798

    Nauru was settled by Micronesian and Polynesian peoples, likely around 1000 CE, who organized into 12 distinct tribes sharing the small coral island. Society was governed by clan structures and largely peaceful coexistence, with the population reaching approximately 1,400 by the mid-19th century. The island remained almost entirely isolated from outside contact until European navigators arrived in the late 18th century.

  2. European Contact

    1798 – 1888

    British navigator Captain John Fearn named the island Pleasant Island in 1798, and from the 1830s whalers and traders introduced firearms and alcohol, destabilizing the traditionally peaceful tribal order. A devastating inter-tribal war erupted in 1878 and lasted a decade, reducing the population from roughly 1,400 to around 900. The 1886 Anglo-German Convention assigned Nauru to the German sphere of influence.

  3. German Colonial Rule

    1888 – 1914

    Germany formally annexed Nauru in 1888 as part of the Marshall Islands Protectorate, imposing colonial administration and ending inter-tribal conflict. Phosphate was discovered around 1900, and by 1906 the Pacific Phosphate Company, operating under an agreement with Germany, had begun systematic extraction of the island's vast phosphate reserves. This resource would define Nauru's economic and political trajectory for over a century.

  4. Mandate Period

    1914 – 1968

    Australian forces seized Nauru in 1914, and after World War I the League of Nations granted Britain, Australia, and New Zealand a joint trusteeship, with the British Phosphate Commissioners controlling mining revenues. Japan occupied the island from 1942 to 1945, deporting 1,200 Nauruans to the Caroline Islands, of whom 463 perished. After the war Nauru became a UN Trust Territory under Australian administration until independence was achieved in January 1968.

  5. Independence & Phosphate Wealth

    1968 – 1995

    Nauru became the world's smallest independent republic in 1968, and in 1970 the Nauru Phosphate Corporation assumed full control of mining operations, generating extraordinary per-capita wealth during the 1970s and 1980s. The government invested heavily in overseas assets through the Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust, though widespread mismanagement eroded these reserves. In 1993 Australia settled Nauru's International Court of Justice claim for mining damages, paying A$107 million in compensation and rehabilitation assistance.

  6. Economic Crisis & Modern Era

    1995 – present

    Phosphate reserves neared exhaustion by the mid-1990s, and the collapse of trust fund investments plunged Nauru into severe financial crisis. To generate revenue, the government controversially hosted Australian offshore asylum-seeker processing facilities from 2001 onward, a role that drew sustained international scrutiny. Nauru joined the United Nations in 1999 and continues efforts to rehabilitate its mined landscape and diversify its economy amid ongoing environmental and fiscal challenges.

Overview

Nauru had little contact with Europeans until whaling ships and other traders began to visit in the 1830s. The introduction of firearms and alcohol destroyed the peaceful coexistence of the 12 tribes living on the island. A 10-year internal war began in 1878 and resulted in a reduction of the population from 1,400 (1843) to around 900 (1888).

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1798

    British navigator Captain John Fearn names it Pleasant Island.

    British navigator Captain John Fearn, sailing past Nauru from New Zealand to the China Seas, names it Pleasant Island.

  2. 1888

    Nauru annexed by Germany as part of the Marshall Islands Protectorate.

    Nauru annexed by Germany as part of the Marshall Islands Protectorate.

  3. 1900

    British company discovers phosphate on the island.

    British company discovers phosphate on the island.

  4. 1906

    Phosphate mining begins. Britain divides profits with German firm.

    Phosphate mining begins. Britain divides profits with German firm.

  5. 1914

    Nauru seized by Australian troops.

    Nauru seized by Australian troops.

  6. 1942 – 1945

    Nauru occupied by the Japanese.

    Nauru occupied by the Japanese. Some 1,200 Nauruans - two-thirds of the population - deported to Micronesia to work as forced labourers. Five hundred die from starvation or bombing.

  7. 1967

    Nauruans gain control of phosphate mining.

    Nauruans gain control of phosphate mining.

View full timeline (12 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia.

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center
Climate
tropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to February)
Natural Hazards
periodic droughts
Current Environmental Issues
limited natural fresh water resources, roof storage tanks collect rainwater, but mostly dependent on a single, aging desalination plant; intensive phosphate mining during the past 90 years - mainly by a UK, Australia, and NZ consortium - has left the central 90% of Nauru a wasteland and threatens limited remaining land resources
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Nauruan (official, a distinct Pacific Island language), English widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposes

  • Nauruan

Population

Population
10,824
Nationality Noun
Nauruan(s)
Ethnic Groups
Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8%

Education

Literacy Definition
NA

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Nauru is estimated at approximately 63 to 65 years for the overall population, placing it significantly below the global average of around 73 years. This figure reflects a combination of health, dietary, and socioeconomic factors that are characteristic of the small Pacific island nation. Nauru has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, with a substantial majority of its adult population classified as obese or overweight. This epidemic is closely linked to the widespread prevalence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease — all of which are leading causes of premature death on the island. These non-communicable diseases (NCDs) significantly shorten life expectancy compared to regional and global benchmarks. When broken down by sex, women in Nauru generally live longer than men, a pattern consistent with global trends. Female life expectancy is estimated at approximately 67 to 68 years, while male life expectancy falls closer to 61 to 63 years. This gap reflects higher rates of lifestyle-related illness and risk behaviors among men. The dietary transformation that followed phosphate mining wealth in the mid-20th century played a substantial role in shaping the current health crisis. Traditional Pacific foods were largely replaced by imported, processed foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium. This shift contributed to generations of dietary-related illness that continue to suppress life expectancy today. Healthcare infrastructure on Nauru remains limited. The country relies on a single public hospital, the Republic of Nauru Hospital, and must regularly transfer complex medical cases to Australia and other countries for specialized treatment. The small population — roughly 10,000 to 12,000 residents — makes it economically challenging to maintain a comprehensive health system. Efforts by the Nauruan government and international health organizations to address NCDs, improve nutrition, and promote physical activity are ongoing, but reversing deeply entrenched health trends takes generations. Until significant improvements in diet, lifestyle, and healthcare access are achieved, life expectancy in Nauru is likely to remain well below the averages seen in developed Pacific nations such as Australia and New Zealand.
Infant Mortality Rate
Nauru's infant mortality rate reflects the broader healthcare challenges facing this small Pacific island nation. According to recent estimates, Nauru's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 7 to 8 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that places it in a moderate range compared to other Pacific island nations but still above rates seen in most high-income countries. The country has made measurable progress in reducing infant deaths over the past few decades, largely through improvements in maternal healthcare, vaccination programs, and access to basic medical services. The Republic of Nauru Hospital, the island's primary medical facility, plays a central role in delivering neonatal and maternal care to the population. Despite these gains, Nauru continues to face structural obstacles that complicate further reductions in infant mortality. Geographic isolation is a significant factor — the island's remote location in the central Pacific Ocean makes it difficult and expensive to import medical equipment, attract specialist physicians, and quickly evacuate patients requiring advanced care unavailable locally. Critically ill newborns often need to be airlifted to Australia or New Zealand for treatment, and logistical delays in such transfers can have serious consequences. The high prevalence of non-communicable diseases among the Nauruan adult population — particularly type 2 diabetes and obesity — also has downstream effects on maternal health and birth outcomes. Gestational diabetes and related complications can increase risks for newborns, contributing to elevated neonatal vulnerability. UNICEF and the World Health Organization have worked alongside the Nauruan government to support immunization coverage and child health initiatives across the Pacific region. Vaccination rates for diseases such as measles, polio, and tetanus remain relatively high, which has contributed to keeping preventable infant deaths low. Continued investment in maternal nutrition programs, antenatal care, and strengthening the capacity of local health workers will be essential for Nauru to sustain and build upon the progress it has made in protecting the health of its youngest citizens.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Nauru is estimated at approximately 63 to 65 years for the overall population, placing it significantly below the global average of around 73 years. This figure reflects a combination of health, dietary, and socioeconomic factors that are characteristic of the small Pacific island nation. Nauru has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, with a substantial majority of its adult population classified as obese or overweight. This epidemic is closely linked to the widespread prevalence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease — all of which are leading causes of premature death on the island. These non-communicable diseases (NCDs) significantly shorten life expectancy compared to regional and global benchmarks. When broken down by sex, women in Nauru generally live longer than men, a pattern consistent with global trends. Female life expectancy is estimated at approximately 67 to 68 years, while male life expectancy falls closer to 61 to 63 years. This gap reflects higher rates of lifestyle-related illness and risk behaviors among men. The dietary transformation that followed phosphate mining wealth in the mid-20th century played a substantial role in shaping the current health crisis. Traditional Pacific foods were largely replaced by imported, processed foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium. This shift contributed to generations of dietary-related illness that continue to suppress life expectancy today. Healthcare infrastructure on Nauru remains limited. The country relies on a single public hospital, the Republic of Nauru Hospital, and must regularly transfer complex medical cases to Australia and other countries for specialized treatment. The small population — roughly 10,000 to 12,000 residents — makes it economically challenging to maintain a comprehensive health system. Efforts by the Nauruan government and international health organizations to address NCDs, improve nutrition, and promote physical activity are ongoing, but reversing deeply entrenched health trends takes generations. Until significant improvements in diet, lifestyle, and healthcare access are achieved, life expectancy in Nauru is likely to remain well below the averages seen in developed Pacific nations such as Australia and New Zealand.
Infant Mortality Rate
Nauru's infant mortality rate reflects the broader healthcare challenges facing this small Pacific island nation. According to recent estimates, Nauru's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 7 to 8 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that places it in a moderate range compared to other Pacific island nations but still above rates seen in most high-income countries. The country has made measurable progress in reducing infant deaths over the past few decades, largely through improvements in maternal healthcare, vaccination programs, and access to basic medical services. The Republic of Nauru Hospital, the island's primary medical facility, plays a central role in delivering neonatal and maternal care to the population. Despite these gains, Nauru continues to face structural obstacles that complicate further reductions in infant mortality. Geographic isolation is a significant factor — the island's remote location in the central Pacific Ocean makes it difficult and expensive to import medical equipment, attract specialist physicians, and quickly evacuate patients requiring advanced care unavailable locally. Critically ill newborns often need to be airlifted to Australia or New Zealand for treatment, and logistical delays in such transfers can have serious consequences. The high prevalence of non-communicable diseases among the Nauruan adult population — particularly type 2 diabetes and obesity — also has downstream effects on maternal health and birth outcomes. Gestational diabetes and related complications can increase risks for newborns, contributing to elevated neonatal vulnerability. UNICEF and the World Health Organization have worked alongside the Nauruan government to support immunization coverage and child health initiatives across the Pacific region. Vaccination rates for diseases such as measles, polio, and tetanus remain relatively high, which has contributed to keeping preventable infant deaths low. Continued investment in maternal nutrition programs, antenatal care, and strengthening the capacity of local health workers will be essential for Nauru to sustain and build upon the progress it has made in protecting the health of its youngest citizens.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Nauru
Full Country Name
Republic of Nauru
Former Name
Pleasant Island

Government Structure

Government Type
republic
Legal System
acts of the Nauru Parliament and British common law
Executive Branch
chief of state: President David ADEANG (since 30 October 2023); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President David ADEANG (since 30 October 2023); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of Parliament elections: president elected by Parliament for a three-year term; election last held 24 September 2022 (next to be held in 2025) election results: David ADEANG was elected president by Parliament following the resignation of Russ KUN in October 2023
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament (19 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms) Elections: last held on 24 September 2022 (next to be held in 2025) Election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 19 (no formal party representation currently holds seats)
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court
Suffrage
20 years of age; universal and compulsory
Constitution
29-Jan-68
Independence
31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered UN trusteeship)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 31 January (1968)

Capital City

Capital Name
no official capital; government offices in the Yaren District
Capital Time Difference
UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Military

Branches: no regular military forces

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

There is no U.S. Embassy or diplomatic post in Nauru. The U.S. Embassy in Fiji provides assistance for U.S. citizens in Nauru.

U.S. Embassy Suva

158 Princes Road, Suva, Fiji

(679) 331-4466

Emergency after-hours telephone: (679) 772-8049

Facsimile: (679) 330-2267

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Economy

Nauru's economy has historically depended on the mining and export of phosphates, but primary reserves were largely depleted by the early 2000s.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Australian Dollar (AUD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
0.5%
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News & Weather

Current Weather

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Climate Overview

tropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to February)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Nauru?
The population of Nauru is approximately 10,824.
What should I know about eating in Nauru?
Most food is now imported, with rice as a basic staple and fish with rice being a standard meal. Native foods include fish, coconut, shellfish, breadfruit, and pandanus Pandanus pulp is preserved as a date-like paste, mixed with coconut cream as a sweet, or made into flour usually served as a drink
How is family life organized in Nauru?
All Nauruans belong to a matrilineal clan, and households center on the mother, who is the decision-making head and manages economic and social affairs. Do: Recognize the mother as the central and honored figure in the household Clan affiliation is traced through the female line and lasts a lifetime, unchanged by marriage Children belong to the mother's lineage Land is inherited by both sons and daughters, but only daughters can pass on rights without extended family consent Marriage today is largely a Christian affair
What gestures and social respect should I be aware of in Nauru?
Children are expected to honor and respect their elders, and mothers are particularly honored. Do: Show respect to elders Show particular honor to mothers
What should I know before visiting Nauru?
Nauru is a small oval coral island of about eight square miles where most people live along the coastline; the population is mainly Nauruans of mixed Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian ancestry, plus temporary workers in the phosphate industry. Most Nauruans follow Christianity Most people speak the Nauruan language and English Nauru has very high rates of diabetes, renal failure, and heart disease, exceeding 40% of the population
What serves as the capital of Nauru?
Nauru has no officially designated capital city. Government offices and administrative functions are centered in the Yaren District, located on the southern coast of the island, which effectively serves as the seat of government. This arrangement is unusual among independent nations and reflects Nauru's exceptionally small size — the entire island spans only about 21 square kilometers, making a formal capital designation largely unnecessary.
Where is Nauru located?
Nauru is a small coral island nation situated in Micronesia, in the central Pacific Ocean, lying just south of the Equator. It is part of the broader region of Oceania and is surrounded entirely by the Pacific Ocean. Its nearest neighbors include Kiribati to the east and the Marshall Islands to the north. Nauru's remote mid-ocean position has historically shaped its economy, politics, and reliance on imported goods.
What are the ocean borders of Nauru?
As an island nation, Nauru has no land borders; it is entirely surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. The island's coastline is fringed by a coral reef, which poses navigational hazards and limits port access. Nauru's nearest landmass is Banaba Island (part of Kiribati) to the east. The country's exclusive maritime zone in the Pacific is critical to its sovereignty and fishing rights.
What religion is practiced in Nauru?
Protestant Christianity is the dominant religion in Nauru, practiced by approximately 66% of the population. Roman Catholicism accounts for a further 33%, making Christianity nearly universal on the island. This reflects the strong missionary influence that spread through Micronesia during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Religious observance remains an important part of Nauruan community and cultural life.
What currency is used in Nauru?
Nauru uses the Australian Dollar (AUD) as its official currency. Nauru does not issue its own currency, relying instead on Australia's monetary system — an arrangement that reflects the country's close historical and administrative ties with Australia, which administered the island for much of the 20th century. The use of the AUD simplifies trade and financial transactions, though Nauru's economy remains heavily dependent on phosphate exports and foreign aid.
What language is spoken in Nauru?
Nauruan is the official language of Nauru, a distinct Micronesian language spoken by the indigenous population and considered a key marker of national identity. English is widely understood and spoken across the island and is used for the majority of government, legal, and commercial purposes. This bilingual environment reflects both Nauru's indigenous heritage and its long period of administration by English-speaking powers, particularly Australia and the United Kingdom.
How large is Nauru and what is its terrain like?
Nauru covers an area of approximately 21 square kilometers (about 8 square miles), making it the world's smallest independent republic. The island is oval-shaped and formed from a raised coral platform, featuring a fertile coastal belt where most of the population lives, encircling a central plateau that was once rich in phosphate deposits. Decades of phosphate mining have left the interior heavily scarred and largely uninhabitable, posing long-term environmental challenges for the nation.
What is Nauru known for?
Nauru is best known as the world's smallest independent republic and as one of the Pacific Ocean's three great phosphate rock islands — alongside Banaba in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia. Phosphate mining, which began under a German-British consortium in the early 20th century, once made Nauru one of the wealthiest nations per capita in the world. The island is also notable for its government-funded social welfare model, its use of offshore processing facilities in regional migration policy debates, and the environmental degradation left by exhausted phosphate extraction.

Last reviewed 2026

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