Flag of The Republic of Nauru |
The Republic of Nauru is the smallest republic in the world. Sure, there are smaller countries, like my own, but they are either monarchies or dependent territories of other nations. This one of the things that makes Nauru quite unique.
The country does not have an official capital. The largest settlement is Yaren and it is the de facto capital.
Nauru was formerly known Pleasant Island.
The country is a small island in the South Pacific Ocean. Nauru lies South of The Marshall Islands. Its nearest neighbour is Banaba Island in Kiribati which is 300 km to the east.
Nauru was annexed and claimed as a colony by the German Empire in the late 19th century. After WW I this tiny country became a League of Nations Mandate administered by Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Nauru's fortunes didn't fare much better when it was occupied by the Japanese in WW II. Nauru then became a UN trusteeship after the war, and finally gained independence only in 1968.
Up until 2011, The mainstay of the economy was strip mining of abundant phosphates which were primarily to Australia, New Zealand and South Korea as well as other countries. As the phosphate deposits were running out this small island nation then became for a short while a "tax haven" and a money laundering centre.
As Nauru lies 24kms south of the Equator, the climate is tropical with rain falling between November and February.
What to do and see.
Nauru is so small that it takes less than an hour to drive right round it! The 19 km "Beltway" ring road circles the island and the only traffic lights are used to stop the traffic to allow the plane to cross the road to get to the airport terminal. The airport runway cuts across 3 kms of the 19km route. In fact the aircraft crossing is a favourite souvenir snapshot taken by visitors. You can also hire bikes from Capelle and Partners, the largest local supermarket, to do the same trip. Keep an eye out for animals and pedestrians while on the beltway. The car trip will take about 25 minutes non-stop, and the bike will get you round in about 2-3 hours. Your can also walk round in about 4-6 hours. There is a lot of nice scenery and plenty of views.
Nauru Parliament Building |
Exploring the main settlement and capital, Yaren where you can see the remains of Japanese guns, bunkers and pillboxes left over from WWII. A visit to the parliamentary buildings is also a worthwhile sight to see
Hiking into the interior of Nauru will give you some idea of what environmental damage can be done by extensive strip mining. Much of the native flora and fauna was destroyed by the phosphate mining operations, and it can be understood why Nauru took the Australian Government to court for damages to its nation during the height of phosphate mining. For the most part, there are an abundance of limestone pinnacles which were once covered by phosphates. Some of these pinnacles can be 15m in height. You can also climb to the highest point on Nauru, Command Ridge, which is 71m above sea level. About 80% of Nauru's environment has been stripped and devastated by the phosphate mining industry, and it has been estimated that 40% of marine life has been wiped out by the effect of silting and phosphate run off.
Buada Lagoon |
The Buada Lagoon is the only body of water on the island. It is very picturesque and is situated in the lower middle of Nauru. The lagoon is freshwater and surrounded on all sides by dense palm trees and other vegetation, you can walk all the way round it as there is a tarred road that encircles it. The water is, however very dirty and totally unsuitable for swimming in or entering.
The national sport, Australian Rules Football is a must see. The local teams battle it out all Saturday at the Linkbelt Oval sports field and is a popular event.
Nauru is surrounded by coral reefs, so the scuba diving and snorkeling is quite spectacular. It goes without saying that fishing is very popular, drawing many fishermen to try their hand as well as attend fishing conventions.
The only department store and the largest business in Nauru is Capelle and Partners, and is situated at the top of the island in Ewa Province, it provides for a welcome break in your circumnavigation of the country.
Nauru Beach |
Currency.
Nauru uses the Australian Dollar for its currency. Cards are very very rarely accepted and there are no ATMs in Nauru. Cash is king in this country.
Language.
The official language is Nauruan, however, English is very widely spoken and understood, it used for most government and commercial purposes.
Visa requirements.
All non Nauru citizens require visas. Visas must be obtained before arriving in Nauru. As you might imagine there are not that many Nauru embassies around the world. However for details about embassy location and prices just visit:
www.visahq.com
Where to stay.
Hotel Menen, Nauru |
menenhotel@gmail.com
The other hotel is the slightly cheaper Od-n Aiwo Hotel which is "in town" (Yaren) not far from the airport.
Again the hotel boasts 2 bars and a restaurant, but it also has a convenience store for daily needs. The latest tariffs and bookings can be obtained by e-mail:
odnaiwohotel@yahoo.com
Capelle and Partners offer self contained self catering apartments at Ewa Lodge for full details just visit:
www.capellepartner.com
However if you're looking for self catering in Yaren, Ianepe Court is right in the middle of town. For more information and bookings e-mail:
pfcmnauru@gmail.com
How to get there.
"Our Airline" |
For the best prices for flights and Brisbane hotel stopover tariffs just click on
http://www.globaltraveldeals.biz
And finally................................
Hardly anyone has ever heard of The Republic of Nauru, and coupled with the fact that it is very remote, it sadly holds the record in 2012 of being the least visited country in the world (Less than North Korea!) with about 200 visitors or so for the year.
Given its beauty, its people and where it is, this is a very great pity....
For the traveller that wants to see the real Pacific, Nauru has to right at the top of the list.
Bon voyage!
hi, about the Nauru republic, the link you kept for visa help is only for American citizens, what about other countries? it's seems like a lovely place to spend the holiday.
ReplyDeleteHi, Thanks for your comment. I have just checked the link for visahq.com
DeleteIt is a bit misleading, but if you click on the "Visa" tab and click through to the country you want to visit, it will ask you the passport holder's country and country of residence, once you click that through it will come up with the correct requirements.
I have to add you DON'T have to give out any personal details like name, address etc.
Hope this answers your query.
Very best regards
James