Country Profile: Nauru

Nauru is a small island nation in the South Pacific, with a population of approximately 9,892 people as of 2024. The country's economy has historically relied on phosphate mining, but depletion of this resource has shifted its economic focus to foreign subsidies and fishing rights. Nauru operates as a parliamentary republic and has faced numerous challenges, including environmental degradation and the effects of climate change.

Geography

Nauru is located in Oceania, south of the Marshall Islands, and covers an area of just 21 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in the world. The island features a tropical climate with a distinct rainy season from November to February, and its terrain consists mainly of sandy beaches surrounded by raised coral reefs and a phosphate plateau at its center.

Coastline: 30 km
Highest Point: Command Ridge at 70 m
Natural Hazards: Periodic droughts
Climate Type: Tropical with monsoonal patterns
Population Distribution: Primarily along the fertile southwest coast
Natural Resources: Phosphates, fish

People and Society

The total population of Nauru is estimated to be 9,892 in 2024, with a uniform urban population residing predominantly in coastal areas. The society is primarily Nauruan (94.6%), with a rich cultural heritage reflected in its languages and traditions. While Nauruan is the official language, English is also widely understood and used for government affairs.

Median Age: 27.8 years
Literacy Rate: 96.6% (2023)
Birth Rate: 20.2 births per 1,000 population (2024)
Life Expectancy: 68.6 years (2024)
Dependency Ratio: Total 51.5 (2024)
Urban Population: 100% (2023)

Economy

Nauru's economy transitioned from reliance on phosphate exports to dependence on foreign subsidies and fishing rights, following the depletion of its natural resources. As of 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $150.581 million, reflecting a growth rate of 1.8%. The island faced economic challenges after the collapse of its offshore banking sector, and its largest income source now comes from hosting Australia’s Regional Processing Centre.

Real GDP per Capita: $12,600 (2024)
Exports: $64.931 million (2023)
Major Export Partners: Thailand (78%), Philippines (11%)
Import Value: $150.193 million (2023)
Key Industries: Phosphate mining, offshore banking, coconut products
Current Account Balance: $1.923 million (2023)

Government

Nauru operates as a parliamentary republic without a formal capital, with government offices located in the Yaren District. The legal system is a mix of common law and customary law, and the president serves as both the head of state and head of government. Nauru gained independence in 1968, and elections occur every three years.

Executive Leader: President David ADEANG (since 30 October 2023)
Legislature: Unicameral Parliament with 19 seats
Suffrage: Universal and compulsory at 20 years of age
Administrative Divisions: 14 districts
National Holiday: Independence Day, 31 January
Political Structure: No formal political parties, alliances based on family ties

Military and Security

Nauru does not maintain a regular military force, relying instead on its police for security. The country has entered into security cooperation agreements with Australia to bolster its defense capabilities, particularly in maritime security. A "shiprider" agreement with the U.S. allows local law enforcement to work with U.S. Coast Guard and Navy vessels.

Military Forces: Nauru Police Force (no regular military)
Security Agreements: With Australia
International Cooperation: "Shiprider" agreement with the U.S.

Energy

Nauru achieves 100% electricity access among its population. Electricity generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, accounting for 88% of total capacity, with a growing share from solar sources. In 2023, the island consumed approximately 37.893 million kWh of electricity.

Electricity Generation Capacity: 19,000 kW (2023)
Electricity Consumption: 37.893 million kWh (2023)
Fossil Fuel Reliance: 88% of total generation capacity (2023)

Environment

Nauru faces significant environmental challenges, including the depletion of freshwater resources and land degradation due to phosphate mining. The island has committed to various international environmental agreements aimed at mitigating climate change and protecting biodiversity.

Environmental Agreements: Parties to multiple climate-related treaties
Natural Freshwater Resources: Limited
Pollution Issues: Air and water contamination from mining activities

Transportation

Nauru has limited transportation infrastructure, with one airport and a small merchant marine fleet. The country’s sole port is crucial for trade, primarily through its small fishing industry.

Airports: 1 (2025)
Total Merchant Marine: 6 (2023)
Key Port: Nauru

Communications

Nauru has a modest telecommunications infrastructure, with a significant portion of the population accessing mobile services. The country maintains one state-owned television and radio station, providing content primarily from New Zealand and Australia.

Internet Users: 82% of the population (2020)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 10,000 (2021)
Fixed-line Telephones: None reported (2019)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	9,892	Estimated for 2024
Area	21 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$150.581 million	Estimated for 2024
Real GDP Growth Rate	1.8%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	20.2 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	68.6 years	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	100%	Estimated for 2022
Literacy Rate	96.6%	Estimated for 2023
Unemployment Rate	Not explicitly stated
Total Fertility Rate	2.55 children per woman	Estimated for 2024