Overview of Nauru

Profile

Nauru is world's third-smallest sovereign state in western South Pacific, a raised coral island of atoll origin consisting of 14 districts. Experienced rapid prosperity in 1970s-80s from high-grade phosphate mining discovered during colonial period, but fell into fiscal crisis from mineable layer depletion and investment failures. While abandoned central plateau continues deteriorating, reforestation and land restoration progress, with recent years exploring diversification into secondary mining, regional fisheries management, offshore finance, and internet domain business. No designated capital, government functions concentrated in Yaren district. Population approximately 12,000, with obesity and diabetes epidemic as serious public health challenge.

Official name: Republic of Nauru
Common name: Nauru
Numeric code: 520
Alpha-3 code: NRU
Alpha-2 code: NR
Population: 12,000 (2024)
Population density: Approximately 570
Primary languages: Nauruan, English
Major religions: Protestantism, Roman Catholicism
National anthem: Nauru Bwiema
Calling code: +674
Internet TLD: .nr

History

Prospered from phosphate development, then economy contracted from resource depletion. Gained independence in 1968, maintaining parliamentary republic.

Indigenous Nauruan island became German protectorate in late 19th century, after WWI large-scale phosphate mining began as British-Australian-NZ joint mandate territory. Japanese military occupied during WWII, after war through UN trust territory gained independence in 1968. Boldly invested resource income in domestic welfare achieving tax-free/utility-free system, but 1990s resource depletion and investment failures led to bankruptcy state. Supplements revenue through Australian offshore refugee detention and diplomatic shifts between Taiwan-China, while aiming for reconstruction through secondary phosphate mining and tourism/fisheries.

Geography & climate

Typical raised coral island with narrow coastal plain surrounding perimeter, central limestone plateau excavated from phosphate mining.

Tropical rainforest climate (Af)

Area: Oceania / 21 km²
Capital: (Officially none / Government seat: Yaren District)
Largest city: Denigomodu District
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Buada Lagoon

Natural resources

Phosphate rock, Fishery resources (tunas), Coconut palm, Solar power, Wind power, Limestone, Buada freshwater, Ornamental coral, Potential seabed minerals, Sandy beaches as tourism resource

Politics

Government: Unicameral parliamentary republic (presidential system)

Economy

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

GDP (nominal): 150 million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 230 million international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Nauruan, English

Time zone: NRT

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Nauruans, I-Kiribati, Tuvaluans, Chinese, Europeans

Life expectancy

Approximately 70

Literacy rate

96

National sports

Australian Football, Weightlifting, Powerlifting, Football, Touch Rugby