Nauru is a tiny island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, making it one of the smallest countries in the world by both area and population. It is known for its phosphate deposits, which once made it one of the wealthiest nations per capita before reserves were largely exhausted. The island is ringed by a coral reef and has a raised central plateau that bears the marks of decades of mining.
- Capital
- Yaren
- Continent
- Oceania
- Region
- Micronesia
- Area
- 21 km²
- Coordinates
- 0.53333333° S, 166.91666666° E
Country facts
- Nauru gained independence from Australian administration in 1968, becoming a sovereign republic.
- The island covers just 21 square kilometres, making it the smallest island nation on Earth.
- Phosphate mining transformed Nauru's economy in the 20th century but left much of the interior landscape barren.
- Nauruan, the indigenous language, is spoken by most of the population alongside English.
- The national symbol of Nauru is the frigatebird, which appears on the country's coat of arms.
Capital facts
- Yaren is the de facto capital of Nauru, though no city has been officially designated as the capital.
- It is located on the southwestern coast of the island.
- Nauru's parliament building, where the government meets, is situated in Yaren.
- Nauru International Airport, the country's only airport, is located in the Yaren district.
- Yaren is home to a small but important freshwater lake called Buada Lagoon nearby, a rare natural feature on the island.