About Nauru

Nauru is a tiny island nation in the central Pacific Ocean. With just 21 square kilometres of land and a population of approximately 10,000, it is the world's third-smallest country by area and the second-least populous — but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character, history, and natural beauty.

Known as "Pleasant Island" to its first European visitors, Nauru has a story that spans over 3,000 years — from the first Micronesian navigators who crossed vast oceans in outrigger canoes, through colonial rule, phosphate-driven wealth, world war occupation, and its emergence as an independent republic. Today, Nauru is a nation looking to the future, balancing its rich heritage with the challenges of climate change, economic diversification, and cultural preservation.

Quick Facts

Explore Nauru

Use the links below to dive deeper into different aspects of the Republic of Nauru:

• Our Country — Geography, climate, flora, fauna, and environmental challenges
• History — From ancient settlement to independence and beyond — the full timeline
• The People — Population, language, social structure, and the 12 original tribes
• Culture & Heritage — Dance, music, cuisine, celebrations, handicrafts, and community life
• Economy — Phosphate, fisheries, aid, and the path to a diversified future
• National Days — Independence Day, Constitution Day, Angam Day, and public holidays

The National Flag

The flag of Nauru is a powerful symbol of the nation's identity. The blue field represents the Pacific Ocean, the yellow stripe marks Nauru's position just 53 kilometres south of the equator, and the white 12-pointed star symbolises the 12 original tribes that have inhabited the island for centuries. The flag was adopted on January 31, 1968 — Nauru's Independence Day.