Nauru Flag

Nauru

Capital:
Yaren
Continent:
Oceania
Region(s):
Micronesia
Abbreviation:
NRU

Nauru is a country in Oceania, known for its phosphate formations and coral reefs. It has a population of over 12 thousand, making it the 227th largest country in the world. Its official language is Portuguese, and the capital is Yaren. Nauru has a developing economy with regional processing services.

12K
Total Population
227
Population Rank
601.25
Density (km²)
78 0.65%
Annual Population Growth

Population of Nauru

Nauru's population structure shows a slightly higher male to female ratio of 1.04 to 1, with a median male age of 20.79 years old and a median female age of 21.98 years old. The highest concentration of adults under 75 years old is in the 18 and 19 year-old age groups, while the lowest concentration is in the 74 and 72 year-old age groups.

Nauru Population

Data after 2022 is projected based on recent change

Nauru Population Clock

Nauru Population*
11,995
Births per Day
1
Deaths per Day
0
Emigrations per Day
0
Net Change per Day
0
2025 Population Change*
0

* As of 2/6/2025

1 birth

Every 1.0 days

1 death

Every several days

1 emigrant

Every several days

1 person

Every several days

Nauru Overview

The country of Nauru is an island located in Micronesia. Nauru – once known as Pleasant Island – is located in the Central Pacific and is about 190 miles from its closest neighbor, Kiribati’s Banaba Island.

Nauru has just over eight square miles of land area and is the third smallest country in the world, only falling behind Monaco and Vatican City. It is the smallest island country in the world. Its population is just as small, with just 11,200 inhabitants based on census data from 2018. This makes it the second smallest country by population, beating out Vatican City. It is the least populous country in Oceania. However, despite its small population, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with a population density of over 1,243 people per square mile.

Nauru’s largest city is Denigomodu. About 25% of the population – or over 1,800 people – live in this district. The population has declined in recent years after 1,500 inhabitants left the island following the repatriation of immigrant workers.

The largest ethnic group on the island are Nauruan. Over one-quarter of the population is Pacific Islander. Other ethnic groups include Europeans and Han Chinese. The majority of Nauruans speak Nauru. Though about 96% of the population speaks this language at home, English is also used and is the language used by the government and for commerce.

Most Nauruans practice various forms of Christianity, with faiths including Roman Catholic and Baptist. Although there is freedom of religion on the island, the government has imposed restrictions on Jehovah’s Witnesses and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.