Nauru: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Nauru — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
12,704
#195 of 197 countries
Area
21 km²
#242 of 248 countries
Density
605.0 / km²
#21 of 245 countries

Nauru has a population of 12,704 spread across 21 km², giving it an average density of 605.0 people per km². This is a densely populated country where urban areas dominate the landscape.

Demographics

Median Age
28.2
Life Expectancy
68.6 yrs
Literacy Rate
96.6%
Government
parliamentary republic
Ethnic Groups
Religions

Population Trends

How a country's age structure is shifting tells you a lot about what to expect on the ground. A growing elderly population often means better healthcare and higher costs, while a young population signals energy and growth but potentially less developed infrastructure.

Age Structure Over Time
Population Growth Rate (%)
Urban vs Rural (%)
Birth & Death Rates (per 1,000)

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Nauru is classified as a high income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 93% of US levels, meaning costs are comparable to the United States.

Income Level
High income
GDP per Capita
$12,752
Cost of Living
93% of US
GDP per Capita (USD)
GDP Growth (%)
Inflation Rate (%)
Employment
GDP/Capita (PPP)
$12,600

Tourism

Tourism data reveals how popular a destination is and how much infrastructure exists to support visitors. Tourism accounts for 2.3% of Nauru's total exports, making it a smaller part of the economy, meaning you may find fewer purpose-built tourist facilities but more authentic experiences.

Tourism % of Exports
2.3%
Air Passengers
39,104
International Tourist Arrivals
Tourism Receipts (USD)
Air Passengers Carried
Tourism as % of Exports

Health & Safety Infrastructure

Healthcare quality matters when you're far from home. These indicators help gauge what level of medical care is available — Nauru has 1.27 physicians per 1,000 people, below the global average. Good travel insurance with medical coverage is advisable.

Physicians
1.27/1k
Hospital Beds
4.97/1k
Health Spend
$2292/person
Infant Mortality
8.3/1k
Immunization
98%
Safe Drinking Water
97.8%
Basic Sanitation
71.3%
Health Expenditure per Capita (USD)
Hospital Beds per 1,000

Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure

Staying connected while travelling is essential for navigation, communication, and remote work. In Nauru, 82% of the population uses the internet — expect widely available WiFi in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. There are 87 mobile subscriptions per 100 people.

Internet Users
81.7%
Mobile Subs
87/100
Broadband
10.0/100
Internet Users (%)
Urbanization (%)

Source: World Bank Open Data