Nauru is a Micronesian island in central Pacific Ocean. It is an oval-shaped, 21 sq.km, raised coral atoll, with a concave eastern side. It lies 42 kilometers south of the equator. The closest neighbour is Ocean Island (Banaba, part of Kiribati), some 300km to the east; about 1300 km northeast of the Solomon Islands; and northeast of Australia with Sydney 4000 km away.
The region of Micronesia lies between the Philippines and Hawaii encompassing more than 2ooo islands in the region. The term “Micronesia” is derived from the Greek words “Mikros” meaning small and “Nesoi” meaning islands.
Nauru is only 21 square kilometres and its easy to walk around the entire country in a few hours. The island consists of 14 main districts and is surrounded by white sandy beaches and a coral reef enveloping the island. The reef extends between 50 to 100 metres out to the ocean. Pinnacle like structures jut out of the reef making the scene and natural reef surroundings a unique sight.
The temperature ranges between 24 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius and is kept down by sea breezes which can be felt from most parts of the island.
The Australian Dollar is the official currency of Nauru. The majority of shops, hotels and restaurants in Nauru do not use credit cards but only a select few use EFTPOS, and cash is the norm.
Population – approx. 10,000 including non-Nauruan population of approx. 1,000. The main languages spoken in Nauru are Nauruan and English.
In the Nauruan flag, the Pacific Ocean is represented in the blue background while the white 12 pointed star symbolizes the 12 tribes of Nauru. The star represents Nauru’s geographical location to the equator which is represented by the yellow line.
The people of Nauru are comprised of 12 tribes namely Eamwit, Eamwitmwit, Eamwidara, Ranibok, Eoaru, Eano, Deiboe, Emangum, Iruwa, Emea, Iwi (extinct), Irutsi (extinct) and are believed to be a mixture of Micronesian, Polynesian and Melanesian descent.
TOURIST INFORMATION
FLYING TO NAURU
The national airline is the Nauru Airlines which operates direct flights from Brisbane (Australia) and Nadi (Fiji) as well as several other destinations in the South Pacific to Nauru and back. Check for more information on www.nauruair.com.
ACCOMMODATION
There are two hotels on Nauru located a few minutes away from the Nauru International Airport.
The Menen Hotel is a modern, comfortable hotel with various rooms and facilities for their guests.
The Ewa Lodge is made of modern serviced apartments with all amenities and is located only one minute away from the beach.
FOOD & DRINK
For more info, please go to the Plan & Book section of our website.
The Island is well served with supermarkets, cafés and restaurants. There are a number of Chinese and local restaurants available on the island with a few top picks by tourists namely Aterebog restaurant, The Bay restaurant and Crystal’s Kitchen. Hotels sometimes offer Western food and most international brands of alcohol are available. Bottled water is available. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
TRANSPORTATION
There is no public transport. Car hire is recommended.
COMMUNICATIONS
Calling code: +674
SIM cards may be purchased from the main office or the airport kiosk of the mobile phone provider – Digicel available with various credit and mobile data packs. They provide MyDigicel app for online top-ups.
BANKING
The Nauru agency of the Australian regional bank- Bendigo Bank is located at the Civic Centre, Aiwo district and a branch office next to the Ewa Lodge, Ewa district. There are number of ATMs on the island that accept most bank cards.
HEALTHCARE
Nauru has a general hospital- Republic of Nauru Hospital for general treatments. There are no medical specialists and serious or complicated cases are sent by air to Australia for treatment. Travelers are advised to take out full health insurance prior to departure.
NAURU TOURISM