Nauru

A trip to Nauru is unlike any other. The island is tiny, and you can walk or drive around its entire 19-kilometer coastline in a short time. The landscape is defined by its past: a lush, tropical coastline surrounds a strange and barren interior plateau, known as "Topside," which was extensively strip-mined for phosphate. What remains is a surreal, jagged limestone pinnacle landscape. The main activities are exploring this unique "moonscape," visiting the remnants of the Japanese occupation in WWII, and interacting with the friendly Nauruan people.

There is virtually no tourism infrastructure, and the country is known for its role in Australia's controversial offshore refugee processing centers. A visit to Nauru is not a typical holiday; it is an expedition for the most dedicated country collectors and those with a deep interest in its one-of-a-kind history and geography.

Reasons to Visit

• Visit the World's Least-Visited Country: Join a very exclusive club of travelers by visiting a nation that sees only a few hundred tourists per year.
• Unique Landscape: Explore the surreal, pinnacle-filled "Topside" landscape left behind by decades of phosphate mining.
• A Fascinating History: Learn about the country's unique boom-and-bust story, from being the richest nation on Earth to its current challenges.
• Ultimate Country Collecting: For those on a quest to visit every country, Nauru is a significant and challenging tick on the list.

Things to Avoid

• Expecting a Tropical Paradise: While it's a tropical island, the environmental damage from mining means it is not a typical beach destination.
• Photography Restrictions: Be very sensitive with photography. Do not take pictures of the refugee processing centers, government buildings, or local people without explicit permission.
• Disrespecting the Community: This is a very small community. Be respectful in all your interactions.
• Being Unprepared for Limited Resources: Food and other goods are imported and can be expensive and limited.

Local Transportation Tips

The best way to see the island is to rent a car or scooter for the day to drive the single ring road. There are a few local taxis available. Many visitors simply walk around the main areas.

Travel Etiquette

• Greetings: A friendly greeting is appreciated. English is widely spoken.
• Modest Dress: While the climate is hot, it is respectful to dress modestly when in public.
• Asking for Permission: Always ask before taking photos of people or their homes.
• Patience: Life moves at a slow pace.

Did You Know?

Did you know? In the 1970s and 80s, the revenue from phosphate mining gave Nauruans one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. The national trust, however, was squandered through poor investments, leading to economic collapse.

Cool Nauru Stats

• Smallest Republic: Nauru is the smallest republic in the world and the third-smallest country by land area, after Vatican City and Monaco.
• No Official Capital: Nauru is one of the few countries in the world with no official capital city. The government offices are located in the Yaren District.
• A Single Road: A 19-kilometer-long paved road circles the entire island.

Recommended Age Group

Nauru is suitable only for the most intrepid and self-sufficient Adults, primarily those on a quest to visit every country in the world.

• Babies (0-2 years): Not recommended.
• Kids (3-12 years): Not recommended.
• Teens (13-19 years): Not recommended.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended only for dedicated country collectors and those with a specific interest in its unique history, who are prepared for very basic and limited infrastructure.
• Seniors (65+ years): Not recommended.

Accessibility Level: Low

• There is no accessibility infrastructure in Nauru.
• The island has very limited and basic infrastructure.
• There are no accessible transport or accommodation options.
• The "Topside" terrain is rugged and inaccessible.