People and Society of Nauru

Nationality

Nauruan(s)

Ethnic Groups

Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8%

Population

10,824

There are few health care facilities available in the Republic of Nauru. Medical care for routine problems is adequate, but not up to the standards of industrialized countries. On occasion, basic medications can be difficult to obtain. Emergency response capability is extremely limited. Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

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.

Literacy Definition

NA

• Protestant66.0%
• Roman Catholic33.0%
• Other1.0%

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

• Nauruan

Crime Information

Nauru has a low crime rate, but petty theft can occur almost anywhere. You should always exercise caution for your personal safety or the protection of your valuables when traveling abroad. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency phone numbers in Nauru are as follows: Service Short code numbers Police Emergency Service 110 Fire Emergency Service 112 Ambulance Emergency Service 111 Customer Care 123 Directory Inquiries 192

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Nauru, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. Foreigners should carry photo identification with them at all times. Respect any sites that for cultural or security reasons have warnings posted against photography. The country enforces driving under the influence of alcohol laws, and offenders may be taken to jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Nauru, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.