Nauru Country Report
Nauru is an island country located in the Micronesia region of the Pacific Ocean. Its nearest neighbor is the island of Banaba, Kiribati, about 300 km (186 mi) to the east. Other neighboring countries include Tuvalu to the southeast, the Solomon Islands to the south, Papua New Guinea to the southwest, the Federated States of Micronesia to the northwest, and the Marshall Islands to the north. Australia is approximately 3,000 km (1,800 mi) to the southwest. Nauru is the smallest state in the South Pacific with a population of about 13,000. The country’s economy has struggled since its phosphate-rich mines were drained in the 1980s. The island relies heavily on aid from the Australian government in return for hosting the Nauru Detention Center, one of several immigration detention centers off the coast of Australia.
The crime rate in Nauru is relatively low, but petty theft does occur. The risk of riots and other violence is significantly higher in areas around detention centers where living conditions are poor. Although there is no immediate threat to political stability, corruption is a widespread problem. The island’s international airport is located in Yaren, but its facilities are basic. There is a paved road that goes around the island, but the side roads are generally not paved. Regional driving standards vary widely and land travel on the island is fraught with danger. Although coastal flooding, high winds, and heavy rain are a concern during the rainy season, the island is generally free of tropical cyclones. Medical care is limited in Nauru and serious injuries and symptoms often require medical evacuation to Australia.
Last updated: April 11, 2022
Security
The crime rate in Nauru is relatively low, but petty theft does occur. Although violent crimes are rare, home burglaries have also been reported. Although demonstrations are rare and usually peaceful, the risk of violence, including riots, is significantly higher near detention centers where living conditions are poor.
Last updated: May 9, 2022
Infrastructure
Air travel to and from Nauru is not a major concern, although commercial air transportation options are limited. Nauru’s airport at Yaren is small and has basic facilities.
There is a paved road that goes around the island, but the side roads are generally not paved. Regional driving standards vary widely and land travel on the island is fraught with danger.
Sometimes the power goes out. Finally, internet connectivity issues are common.
Last updated: May 9, 2022
Environment
Nauru has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season is from December to February and from June to mid-September. The rainy season is from February to late May and from September to late November. However, in recent years, weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable and the frequency of extreme weather events has increased.
This country is prone to floods and landslides on the coast during the rainy season. High winds and heavy rains can damage and disrupt infrastructure, but the island is generally free of tropical storms.
Unexploded ordnance from World War II still poses a threat in some parts of the country, and the discovery of explosive remnants of war could lead to the evacuation of local populations.
Last updated: March 15, 2022
Health and Medical
Medical facilities in Nauru are limited and provide only basic services. Serious injuries or more complex medical cases usually require evacuation to Australia. There are also limitations to the capacity to respond to medical emergencies. There is a pharmacy, but inventory is limited and some prescription medications may not be available. Mosquito-borne diseases, especially dengue fever, are common on the island, and typhoid fever has also occurred regularly in recent years.
Last updated: September 7, 2023
Political
Nauru is a stable parliamentary democracy and although there have been fairly frequent changes in government in the past, there are currently no significant threats to the country’s political system. Corruption is common on the island, as political and economic interests are often intertwined. The country’s judicial system is not free from corruption and can be subject to political interference. Police forces are small and poorly trained, lack the equipment, motivation and means of transportation to respond to criminal incidents.
Last updated: March 25, 2022
