Nauru Travel Guide: Unveiling the Pristine Beaches, Unique Culture, and Environmental Challenges
The Republic of Nauru is a small island of just 21 square kilometers that is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. It is south of the Federated States of Micronesia and directly north of the Solomon Islands.
History European Influence
When the first Europeans came to Nauru at the end of the 18th century, they turned it into a port for whalers. Nearly a hundred years later, European weapons were used in a bloody civil war between native tribes that killed a huge number of people. Only when Germany got involved and took over the protectorate of the Marshall Islands did the fighting stop.
Phosphate Era
The history of the island changed a lot when phosphate resources were found in 1900. The mines were a source of conflict between the world’s superpowers until the middle of the 20th century.
United Nations Territory and Independence
Nauru became an official UN territory in 1947, and Great Britain and its usual allies ran it until it got full independence in 1968, even though it was still part of the Commonwealth.
Economic Challenges
If the 1970s and 1980s were the island’s “golden age,” when the economy was so good that water and electricity could be given away for free, then the 1990s were a bad time for the economy. Problems started when exports dropped at the start of the decade, and they were made worse by bad financial management of investments that were meant to help the country get back on its feet.
Unfortunately, the intense mining that has been going on on the island for almost a century has done a lot of damage to the natural environment. Deforestation has led to more wind and coastal erosion, and there have been times when it has been really dry.
Current Situation
Even now, the situation is very bad, and the only ways out seem to be to ask for help from other countries (like Australia) or for the people who live there to move to other countries.
Natural Beauty and Climate
A picture isn’t very appealing, but Nauru is still an interesting place to visit, even if it’s not very popular. Palm trees and tropical fruit trees give it that South Seas-style tropical paradise feel, and noddies and terns fly through its blue sky. People feel, though, that the environment is getting worse, and climate change could make things even worse.
Exploring Nauru
One road goes all the way around the island, which is 18 km long, and another goes through it. You can snorkel in some coastal areas (especially in the bay of the port of Anibare) or walk on the reef when the tide is low. There are also a lot of Second World War relics on Nauru.
Since Nauru is only a few tens of kilometers south of the equator, tropical cyclones don’t happen there. As a result, the weather is warm all year long, with an average temperature of about 25°C.
Visa Requirements
To visit the small oceanic republic, you need the right visa, which you can get from the Department of Foreign Affairs by sending them a letter explaining why you want to go to Nauru, a copy of your passport, a copy of your return ticket, and confirmation of your hotel reservation.
Travel Information
The connections between the island and the rest of the world are changing, so it’s best to check the news well in advance. In general, though, flights to Nauru should leave from Brisbane (Australia), the Solomon Islands, and Kiribati.
