NAURU
A pretty raised atoll with surrounding reef which is exposed at low tide, the Republic of Nauru is 12 miles in circumference and just over eight square miles. Most of the 10,000 population live on the narrow coastal belt.
A small isolated Central Pacific island, it lies some 36 miles south of the Equator and is readily accessible by regular services on the island's national carrier, Air Nauru, from major Pacific ports.
The mining of phosphate has been the mainstay of the island's economy since the 1900s, providing the locals with a steady source of income. Phosphate reserves are expected to be exhausted during this decade.
THE PEOPLE
The indigenous people of Nauru are believed to be of mixed Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian descent, with predominantly Polynesian characteristics. Their native language is Nauruan, though English is used for government and commercial purposes.
HISTORY
Nauru existed as an independent island society until it was annexed by Germany in 1888 as part of the Marshall Islands Protectorate. In 1900 a British company discovered phosphate on the island and negotiated with Germany for mining rights. In November 1914 Nauru was seized by Australian troops and remained in British control until 1921.
Click on the above map for a detailed map.
At the end of the war, when the German colonies were distributed, a League of Nations Mandate was granted to Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain.
Early Nauruan dancers.
In 1947 the island was placed under United Nations Trusteeship and Australia resumed administration on behalf of the three partner governments. Nauru became an independent Republic on 31st January 1968.
NATURE
Native sea-birds are plentiful. Vegetation includes pandanus, coconuts, tomano trees and frangipanni. The climate is tropical with temperatures ranging between 24.4 degrees C and 33.9 degrees C, kept temperate by the sea breezes.
HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
January 31 Independence Day.
May 17 Constitution Day.
THE SIGHTS
Nauru is made up of the raised central plateau surrounded by a fertile coastal fringe. The plateau, known as "topside", is the site of mining and is for the most part made up of limestone pinnacles, a truly unique landscape. In contrast, the coast has lush and verdant vegetation. There are two hotels in Nauru, the recently refurbished Menen Hotel and the OD-N-Aiwo Hotel. Self-drive cars are available for a daily charge, plus a charge per kilometre, and taxis are available. The Menen Hotel operates a courtesy airport service.
FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT
Traditional feasts are popular. The Menen Hotel has two restaurants and a regular barbecue. Reynaldo's offers excellent Chinese cuisine.
ACTIVITIES
Nauruans play a number of sports. Fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling are popular. Nine holes of golf and tennis are available. Tours of the mined area are available through the Menen Hotel.
SHOPPING GUIDE
Menen Hotel boutique has gifts and books. Other stores sell a variety of food and goods. Tobacco and alcohol are duty free. The Nauru Philatelic Bureau offers a range of sought-after Philatelic issues of Nauru.
NATIONAL TOURISM OFFICE
The National Tourism Office has available an Arts & Craft Centre which features handicrafts both for display and sale. In addition The National Museum features a variety of photographs from pre-war and post-war years, as well as odd artifacts from Nauru's history including cooking utensils, etc.
The National Tourism Office can be contacted as follows:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
ACCOMMODATION
MENEN HOTEL
The Menen Hotel has, for many years, been a place where both locals and guests meet for business and pleasure. It offers facilities of international standards, along with warm island hospitality.
One hundred and nineteen well appointed rooms feature television and video, fridge, and tea and coffee making facilities. The bars and restaurants offer breathtaking ocean views. Anibare Restaurant serves international cuisine, specialising in seafood and the Oriental Restaurant offers Thai, Chinese and Indian dishes.
Indoor and outdoor recreation areas including a gaming room, a swimming pool and all-weather tennis courts, barbecues and gift shops are available. Guests also have access to Nauru's nine hole golf course, deep sea fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving on the reef and island tours of the mined areas.
Conference facilities are available up to 200 people. Courtesy transport from the airport, rental cars, laundry service, secretarial, facsimile and photocopying services can be arranged. Children under twelve are free of charge if sharing a room.
Although Nauru is not a typical tourist destination, Menen Hotel ranks among the Pacific's most comfortable hotels.
For More Information Contact:
MENEN HOTEL
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