Nauru
Nauru is a small coral island nation in the Micronesia subregion of Oceania, distinguished as the smallest independent republic in the world. Current estimates show a population of 12,092 people with an entirely urbanized distribution across its 21 km² (8.1 sq mi) territory. The nation maintains a current GDP per capita of approximately 13,990 USD, supported by its unique natural resources and regional administrative services.
Where is Nauru?
Nauru
- Continent
- Oceania
- Country
- Nauru
- Coordinates
- -0.53°, 166.92°
Population Details
- Population
- 12.1K
- Area
- 21 km²
- Density per km²
- 576 / km²
- Growth rate
- +0.60%
- Annual growth
- +73.09 people
- Daily growth
- +0.2 people
- World population share
- 0.00%
Population Trend
Historical series from 1960 to 2026
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Nauru
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Yaren
- Region
- Oceania
- Area
- 21 km²
- Languages
- English, Nauru
- Currency
- Australian dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC+12:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
Nauru's economy is characterized by a GDP per capita that ranks 89 of 212 globally and 9 of 19 within Oceania. While the economy was historically dominated by phosphate mining, recent data indicates annual GDP growth of 1.39%, driven by fishing license fees and the operation of regional processing facilities. The nation faces unique economic challenges due to its extreme isolation and small land area, yet it maintains a relatively high income level compared to many other Pacific island states. Key economic activities now include the export of remaining phosphate reserves and the management of maritime resources within its exclusive economic zone.
Society
Social indicators in Nauru show a high level of connectivity and education, with 83.0% of the population being internet users, ranking 94 of 212 globally. The adult literacy rate is approximately 96.6%, placing the country at rank 63 of 170 globally. However, public health remains a critical focus area as life expectancy at birth is approximately 62.3 years, which ranks 201 of 215 globally. The population is almost entirely of Nauruan descent, and the society is characterized by strong community ties and high rates of Protestant and Roman Catholic religious affiliation.
Climate & Environment
Nauru features a tropical rainforest climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, typically ranging from 24 °C (75 °F) to 35 °C (95 °F). The island is subject to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, which causes significant fluctuations in annual rainfall and occasional periods of drought. As a low-lying island with a maximum elevation of 70 m (230 ft), the nation is acutely vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise and changing Pacific weather patterns.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- Parliamentary republic
- Independence
- 1968-01-31 (Australia, New Zealand, and United Kingdom (UN trusteeship))
Geography
- Highest Point
- Command Ridge (70 m)
- Lowest Point
- Pacific Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 30 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in NauruExplore weather and climate data for cities in Nauru
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Yaren
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 27°C | 33°C / 30°C | 12days (142 mm) Wet | 11h Excellent | 80% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| February best | 28°C / 27°C | 33°C / 30°C | 12days (77 mm) Wet | 11.2h Excellent | 81% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| March | 28°C / 27°C | 33°C / 30°C | 12days (128 mm) Wet | 11.3h Excellent | 80% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| April | 28°C / 27°C | 33°C / 30°C | 14days (89 mm) Wet | 11.2h Excellent | 80% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| May | 29°C / 27°C | 33°C / 31°C | 12days (109 mm) Wet | 11.4h Excellent | 79% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| June | 28°C / 27°C | 33°C / 30°C | 11days (99 mm) Wet | 11.3h Excellent | 78% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| July | 28°C / 27°C | 33°C / 30°C | 16days (112 mm) Wet | 11.3h Excellent | 79% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| August best | 28°C / 27°C | 33°C / 30°C | 12days (83 mm) Wet | 11.7h Excellent | 78% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| September best | 28°C / 27°C | 33°C / 30°C | 10days (82 mm) Wet | 11.4h Excellent | 78% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| October best | 28°C / 27°C | 33°C / 30°C | 7days (71 mm) Good | 11.2h Excellent | 77% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| November best | 28°C / 27°C | 33°C / 30°C | 8days (65 mm) Wet | 11.1h Excellent | 76% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| December | 28°C / 27°C | 33°C / 30°C | 11days (108 mm) Wet | 10.8h Excellent | 79% Humid | Fair | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 28°C / 27°C . Feb: 28°C / 27°C . Mar: 28°C / 27°C . Apr: 28°C / 27°C . May: 29°C / 27°C . Jun: 28°C / 27°C . Jul: 28°C / 27°C . Aug: 28°C / 27°C . Sep: 28°C / 27°C . Oct: 28°C / 27°C . Nov: 28°C / 27°C . Dec: 28°C / 27°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 142 mm. Feb: 77 mm. Mar: 128 mm. Apr: 89 mm. May: 109 mm. Jun: 99 mm. Jul: 112 mm. Aug: 83 mm. Sep: 82 mm. Oct: 71 mm. Nov: 65 mm. Dec: 108 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Nauru is approximately 12.1K (2024).
The capital of Nauru is Yaren.
Nauru's GDP per capita is $14K (2024).
Life expectancy in Nauru is 62.28 years (2024).
Nauru covers 21 km² (8 sq mi).
Nauru is very densely populated, with 576 people per km², far exceeding the global average of 60.
Nauru's population is growing steadily at 0.6% per year, in line with global averages.
Yes — based on GDP per capita, Nauru falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $14K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Nauru has 2 official languages: English, Nauru.
Nauru uses the Australian dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
Nauru is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit Nauru are February, August, September, October, November, based on climate data for the capital.
The current estimated population of Nauru is 12,092 people, making it one of the least populated countries in the world. It ranks 214 of 215 globally and 7 of 7 in the Micronesia subregion. The entire population is classified as urban, living in settlements along the coastal fringe of the island.
Nauru is a tiny island with a total land area of only 21 km² (8.1 sq mi) and a coastline spanning 30 km (18.6 mi). It is the world's smallest island nation. The highest point on the island, Command Ridge, reaches an elevation of only 70 m (230 ft) above sea level.
Nauru has a current GDP per capita of approximately 13,990 USD, which ranks 89 of 212 globally. Recent data shows the annual GDP growth rate is approximately 1.39%. The economy is supported by phosphate exports, fishing rights, and international aid, providing a higher income level than many regional neighbors.
The latest estimates show that life expectancy at birth in Nauru is approximately 62.3 years. This figure ranks Nauru 201 of 215 globally, indicating significant health challenges for the population. Factors such as high rates of obesity and diabetes contribute to these lower life expectancy figures compared to global averages.
Approximately 83.0% of the population in Nauru are internet users, which is a high rate for the Pacific region. This connectivity level ranks Nauru 94 of 212 globally. High internet penetration supports education and government services across the 21 km² (8.1 sq mi) island, despite its extreme geographic isolation.
Nauru has a very high adult literacy rate of approximately 96.6%, ranking it 63 of 170 globally according to recent data. Education is a high priority for the government and is compulsory for all children. This focus on learning has resulted in a highly literate population that predominantly speaks both Nauruan and English.
Yes, Nauru is an independent country and a member of the United Nations. It gained independence on 31 January 1968 from a UN trusteeship administered by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Today, it operates as a parliamentary republic and uses the Australian dollar as its official currency.
All Indicators
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