Verified Facts
The population of Nauru is comprised of approximately 11,680 individuals, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups, languages, and religions that reflect the country's unique cultural heritage.
Quick Facts
Population Overview
Nauru has a relatively small population, with a total of approximately 11,680 individuals, according to the latest estimates. The population growth rate is relatively slow, at around 0.4% per annum, which is largely due to a combination of factors including a declining fertility rate and a lack of natural resources. The country's population is largely urbanized, with the majority of residents living in the capital city of Yaren. Nauru's population has historically been influenced by migration patterns, with many residents moving to other Pacific Island nations, such as Australia and New Zealand, in search of employment and education opportunities.
The population of Nauru is also characterized by a relatively young age structure, with a median age of 22.4 years. This is reflected in the country's high percentage of youth, with around 30% of the population under the age of 15. The population density of Nauru is relatively high, at around 555.2 people per square kilometer, which is largely due to the country's small land area. Life expectancy in Nauru is around 66.3 years, which is lower than many other developed countries.
Nauru's population has also been impacted by a range of social and economic challenges, including high levels of unemployment and poverty. The country's economy is largely dependent on phosphate mining, which has had a significant impact on the environment and the health of the population. As a result, many residents have migrated to other countries in search of better economic opportunities, which has contributed to a decline in the population growth rate.
Ethnic Groups
| Ethnic Group | Percentage | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nauruan | 58% | Indigenous | The Nauruan people are the indigenous inhabitants of Nauru |
| I-Kiribati | 26% | Micronesia | The I-Kiribati people are from the nearby island nation of Kiribati |
| Chinese | 8% | East Asia | The Chinese community in Nauru is largely comprised of migrant workers |
| European | 4% | Europe | The European community in Nauru is largely comprised of expatriates |
| Other Pacific Islanders | 4% | Pacific Islands | Other Pacific Islanders, including Fijians and Tongans, also reside in Nauru |
| The ethnic groups in Nauru reflect the country's strategic location in the Pacific and its history of migration and colonization. The Nauruan people are the indigenous inhabitants of the island, while the I-Kiribati people have migrated from the nearby island nation of Kiribati. The Chinese community in Nauru is largely comprised of migrant workers, while the European community is largely comprised of expatriates. The country's ethnic diversity is reflected in its cultural practices, language, and traditions. |
Languages
- Nauruan is the official language of Nauru and is spoken by around 90% of the population
- English is widely spoken and is used as a lingua franca in business and government
- I-Kiribati is also spoken by around 20% of the population, particularly in the north of the island
- Chinese is spoken by around 5% of the population, largely among the migrant worker community
- Other Pacific Island languages, including Fijian and Tongan, are also spoken by small communities in Nauru
Religions
| Religion | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Christianity | 45% | The majority of Christians in Nauru are Protestant |
| Nauru Congregational Church | 36% | The Nauru Congregational Church is the largest Christian denomination in Nauru |
| Catholicism | 10% | The Catholic Church has a significant presence in Nauru |
| Other Christian denominations | 5% | Other Christian denominations, including Methodists and Baptists, are also present in Nauru |
| Baha'i | 2% | The Baha'i faith has a small but significant presence in Nauru |
| Other religions | 2% | Other religions, including Buddhism and Islam, are also present in Nauru |
| Religious freedom is guaranteed in Nauru, and the country has a diverse range of religious traditions. The majority of the population is Christian, with around 45% of the population identifying as Christian. The Nauru Congregational Church is the largest Christian denomination in Nauru, and the Catholic Church also has a significant presence. Other Christian denominations, including Methodists and Baptists, are also present in Nauru. The Baha'i faith has a small but significant presence, and other religions, including Buddhism and Islam, are also represented. |
Age Distribution
| Age Group | Percentage | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| 0-14 | 32% | A large youth population, with significant implications for education and healthcare |
| 15-24 | 24% | A significant proportion of young adults, with implications for employment and economic development |
| 25-54 | 36% | A large working-age population, with significant implications for economic development and taxation |
| 55-64 | 6% | A smaller proportion of older adults, with implications for healthcare and social security |
| 65+ | 2% | A small proportion of elderly individuals, with significant implications for healthcare and social care |
| The age distribution of Nauru's population has significant implications for the country's development and social services. The large youth population, with around 32% of the population under the age of 15, has significant implications for education and healthcare. The significant proportion of young adults, with around 24% of the population between the ages of 15 and 24, has implications for employment and economic development. The large working-age population, with around 36% of the population between the ages of 25 and 54, has significant implications for economic development and taxation. |
Urbanization & Major Cities
- Nauru is a highly urbanized country, with around 100% of the population living in urban areas
- Yaren is the capital city of Nauru and is the largest urban center, with around 11,000 residents
- Denigomodu is the second-largest urban center, with around 2,000 residents
- Nibok is a smaller urban center, with around 1,000 residents
- The country's urbanization has significant implications for infrastructure development, including housing, transportation, and sanitation
Nauru's urbanization has significant implications for the country's development and social services. The majority of the population lives in urban areas, with around 100% of the population residing in cities and towns. Yaren is the capital city and the largest urban center, with around 11,000 residents. Denigomodu and Nibok are smaller urban centers, with around 2,000 and 1,000 residents respectively. The country's urbanization has significant implications for infrastructure development, including housing, transportation, and sanitation.