Moving to Nauru: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

Population

11,000

Population Growth Rate

0.58%

Urban Population

100.000000

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Age Structure

31.930000

Median Age

25.000000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

26

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

5.94

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.98

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

35.6%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

35.6%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

0.840000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-14.63

Ethnic Groups

Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8%

Nationality Noun

Nauruan(s)

Literacy Definition

NA

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

9.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

66.050000

Infant Mortality Rate

8.360000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

8.360000

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.71

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

9.8%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

71.1%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

96.300000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

65.600000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

4.8%

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Economic Overview

Revenues of this tiny island - a coral atoll with a land area of 21 square kilometers - traditionally have come from exports of phosphates.

Few other resources exist, with most necessities being imported, mainly from Australia, its former occupier and later major source of support.

Primary reserves of phosphates were exhausted and mining ceased in 2006, but mining of a deeper layer of "secondary phosphate" in the interior of the island began the following year.

The secondary phosphate deposits may last another 30 years.

Earnings from Nauru’s export of phosphate remains an important source of income.

Few comprehensive statistics on the Nauru economy exist; estimates of Nauru's GDP vary widely.

The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems.

In anticipation of the exhaustion of Nauru's phosphate deposits, substantial amounts of phosphate income were invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition and provide for Nauru's economic future.

Although revenue sources for government are limited, the opening of the Australian Regional Processing Center for asylum seekers since 2012 has sparked growth in the economy.

Revenue derived from fishing licenses under the "vessel day scheme" has also boosted government income.

Housing, hospitals, and other capital plant are deteriorating.

The cost to Australia of keeping the Nauruan government and economy afloat continues to climb.

Industries

phosphate mining, offshore banking, coconut products

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$14,800.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

8%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$150,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$14,800.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

8%

GDP - official exchange rate

$150,800,000 (USD)

GDP by Sector- agriculture

6.1%

GDP by Sector- Industry

33%

GDP by Sector- services

60.8%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Australian dollar (AUD)

Currency Name and Code

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Fiscal Year

1 July - 30 June

Unemployment Rate

90%

Major Industries

phosphate mining, offshore banking, coconut products

Agriculture Products

coconuts

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Labor Force by Occupation - note

most of the labor force is employed in phosphate mining, public administration, education, and transportation

Labor Force by Occupation - note

most of the labor force is employed in phosphate mining, public administration, education, and transportation

Annual Budget

$13,500,000 (USD)

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Full Country Name

Republic of Nauru

Country Name

Nauru

Local - Long

Republic of Nauru

Local - Short

Nauru

Former Name

Pleasant Island

Etymology- history of name

the island name may derive from the Nauruan word "anaoero" meaning "I go to the beach"

Independence

31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered UN trusteeship)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 31 January (1968)

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Government Type

parliamentary republic

Constitution

• history: effective 29 January 1968
• amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament; amendments to constitutional articles, such as the republican form of government, protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and authorities of the executive and legislative branches, also require two-thirds majority of votes in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2018

Legal System:

mixed legal system of common law based on the English model and customary law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President David ADEANG (since 30 October 2023); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
• head of government: President David ADEANG (since 30 October 2023)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of Parliament
• elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for 3-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 October 2023 (next to be held in 2026)
• election results: 2023: David ADEAGN elected president over Delvin THOMA, 10-8

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral Parliament (19 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by majority vote using the "Dowdall" counting system by which voters rank candidates on their ballots; members serve 3-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 24 September 2022 (next to be held in September 2025)
• Election Results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 19;
• Composition: men 17, women 2, percent of women 10.5%

Judicial Branch:

• office: judges appointed by the president to serve until age 65
• subordinate courts: District Court, Family Court

Regions or States:

14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baitsi, Boe, Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Nauru does not have formal political parties
• alliances within the government are often formed based on extended family ties

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal and compulsory

Capital Name

no official capital; government offices in the Yaren District

Capital Time Difference

UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• ADB
• AOSIS
• FAO
• G-77
• ICAO
• ICCt
• IFAD
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• ITU
• OPCW
• PIF
• Sparteca
• SPC
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UPU
• WHO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Nauru

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Margo DEIYE (since 1 December 2021)
• Chancery: 800 2nd Avenue, Third Floor, New York, NY 10017
• Telephone: [1] (212) 937-0074
• FAX: [1] (212) 937-0079
• Email: nauru@onecommonwealth.org
• Website: https://www.un.int/nauru/

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Geographic Location

Oceania

Geographic Coordinates

0 32 S, 166 55 E

Total Area

8 Square Miles 21 Square Kilometers

Land Area

8 Square Miles 21 Square Kilometers

Coastline

19 Miles 30 Kilometers

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Terrain

sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center

Highest Point

61 Meters

Highest Point Location

unnamed location along plateau rim 61 m

Lowest Point Location

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

phosphates, fish

Time Zone

UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

tropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to February)

Terrain

sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center

Location

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands

Total Area

8 Square Miles 21 Square Kilometers

Environment - Current Issues

limited natural fresh water resources, roof storage tanks collect rainwater, but mostly dependent on a single, aging desalination plant

intensive phosphate mining during the past 90 years - mainly by a UK, Australia, and NZ consortium - has left the central 90% of Nauru a wasteland and threatens limited remaining land resources

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$64,000 (USD)

Imports

$20,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

phosphates

Major Imports

food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery

Top Export Partners

India 44.4%, South Korea 16.7%, Australia 11.1%, Netherlands 5.6%, New Zealand 5.6%, US 5.6% (2002)

Top Import Partners

Australia 61.3%, US 9.7%, Ireland 6.5%, Malaysia 6.5% (2002)

Export Partners

India 44.4%, South Korea 16.7%, Australia 11.1%, Netherlands 5.6%, New Zealand 5.6%, US 5.6% (2002)

Import Partners

Australia 61.3%, US 9.7%, Ireland 6.5%, Malaysia 6.5% (2002)

Country Description

Nauru, a small single-island nation in the South Pacific, is located about 25 miles south of the equator.

It is a constitutional republic with a parliamentary system of government.

Tourist facilities are available on a limited basis.

Yaren, the capital, has an international airport.

Safety & Security

Nauru has a low crime rate. However, visitors should not be complacent regarding their personal safety or the protection of valuables.

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Crime

Nauru has a low crime rate, but petty theft can occur almost anywhere.

You should always exercise caution for your personal safety or the protection of your valuables when traveling abroad.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency phone numbers in Nauru are as follows: Service Short code numbers Police Emergency Service 110 Fire Emergency Service 112 Ambulance Emergency Service 111 Customer Care 123 Directory Inquiries 192

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Nauru, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

Foreigners should carry photo identification with them at all times.

Respect any sites that for cultural or security reasons have warnings posted against photography.

The country enforces driving under the influence of alcohol laws, and offenders may be taken to jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Nauru, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

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Medical Facilities

There are few health care facilities available in the Republic of Nauru.

Medical care for routine problems is adequate, but not up to the standards of industrialized countries.

On occasion, basic medications can be difficult to obtain.

Emergency response capability is extremely limited.

Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Traffic Safety

While in Nauru, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Nauru is provided for general reference only, and may not be accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic moves on the left in Nauru.

The main road circling the island is paved, but the remaining roads are unpaved.

There is no organized roadside assistance, although there are a number of mechanics and car repair facilities on the island.

Animals and pedestrians walking in the road make night driving hazardous.

For specific information concerning Nauru driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Nauru Consulate General in Melbourne, Australia at telephone (613) 9653-5709, or fax (613) 9654-4738.

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Airports - total

1

Airports with Paved Runways

1

Railways

37 Miles 59 Kilometers

Roadways- total

19 Miles 30 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

15 Miles 24 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Nauru

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Telephones

1,900

Cell Phones

1,500

Internet Users

300

Internet Country Code

.nr

Internet Hosts

4,158

Broadcast Media

1 government-owned TV station broadcasting programs from New Zealand sent via satellite or on videotape; 1 government-owned radio station, broadcasting on AM and FM, utilizes Australian and British programs

Telephone System

• assessment: adequate local and international radiotelephone communication provided via Australian facilities
• international: country code - 674; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

28,830,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

31,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,000

Anthem Lyrics

Nauru bwiema, ngabena ma auwe. Ma dedaro bwe dogum, mo otata bet egom. Atsin ngago bwien okor, ama bagadugu Epoa ngabuna ri nan orre bet imur. Ama memag ma nan epodan eredu won engiden, Miyan aema ngeiyin ouge, Nauru eko dogin!

Anthem Lyrics English

Nauru our homeland, the land we dearly love, We all pray for you and we also praise your name. Since long ago you have been the home of our great forefathers And will be for generations yet to come. We all join in together and say; Nauru for evermore!