Nauru Map: Regions, Geography, and Facts & Figures

Nauru Profile

Nauru is a small island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean, just south of the equator. A map of Nauru reveals a single oval-shaped island surrounded by a coral reef, with no natural harbor. Despite its small size, Nauru has a unique geography, a complex colonial history, and a distinct identity as one of the least-visited and least-known countries in the world.

Covering just 21 square kilometers, Nauru is the third smallest country by area globally and the second smallest by population. The interior is dominated by a phosphate plateau, while a narrow coastal strip is home to the island's settlements and infrastructure.

History of Nauru

Originally settled by Micronesian and Polynesian peoples, Nauru was a self-sufficient society before Western contact. The island was annexed by Germany in 1888, followed by Australian, British, and New Zealand administration after World War I. During World War II, it was occupied by Japanese forces.

After the war, Nauru came under UN trusteeship before gaining independence in 1968. The island experienced a boom due to phosphate mining, but depletion of resources brought economic challenges. Today, Nauru remains heavily reliant on aid and offshore services, with efforts to diversify the economy and restore mined land.

Geography of Nauru

The geography of Nauru is defined by its isolation, limited space, and resource-based terrain. It is a raised coral atoll with a ring of fertile coastal land surrounding a central plateau known as Topside.

Topside Plateau: Formerly rich in phosphate, now largely mined out and barren
Coastal Belt: Contains the island’s main settlements, roads, and airport
Buada Lagoon: A small freshwater lagoon surrounded by vegetation
Coral Reef: Surrounds the island, making maritime access difficult

Nauru has no rivers and limited natural freshwater, relying on rainwater collection and desalination. Its tropical climate brings consistent heat and humidity year-round.