Nauru
Republic of Nauru
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
As a microstate in Micronesia, Nauru is home to just 11.7k people, making it one of the less populous countries in the world. Despite covering only 21 km², the territory records a density of 556 people per km². Its capital is Yaren, and official languages include English and Nauru, while the Australian dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
11,680
Area
21 km²
Density
556/km²
World Rank
#228
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 25.5 per thousand against deaths at 7.5 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. A youthful age structure is evident: 37.8% of the population is under 15, while only 2.9% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Yaren
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Micronesia
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- English, Nauru
- Currencies
- Australian dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +674
- Top-Level Domain
- .nr
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+12:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 11,680
- Land Area
- 21 km²
- Population Density
- 556 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +103 people
- Daily Growth
- +0 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- -0.53°, 166.92°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $13.6k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—roughly in line with the global average of $12.5k. The Gini index of 32.4 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
62.1 years
GDP per Capita
$13,609
Birth Rate
25.5 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.5 per 1,000
Urban Population
100.0%
Fertility Rate
3.33 births/woman
Infant Mortality
8.3 per 1,000
Literacy Rate
96.6%
Internet Users
81.7%
Under 15
37.8%
Over 65
2.9%
Health Spending
18.2% GDP
Gini Index
32.4
Age Distribution
0-14 years
4K
15-64 years
7K
65+ years
333
Urbanization
Nauru is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 100% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. Yaren serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. High density and high urbanization together create both efficiency gains and challenges around housing, transport, and environmental quality.
11,680
100.0%
0
0.0%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 62.1 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 8.3 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 96.6% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Nauru is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Nauru participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 11,680 |
| 2030 | 12,094 |
| 2035 | 12,626 |
| 2040 | 13,175 |
| 2045 | 13,743 |
| 2050 | 14,331 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Nauru?
The population of Nauru is approximately 11,680 as of 2026, making it #228 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Nauru?
The capital of Nauru is Yaren.
What languages are spoken in Nauru?
The main languages spoken in Nauru are English, Nauru.
How big is Nauru?
Nauru covers an area of 21 km² with a population density of 556 people per km².
Is Nauru growing or shrinking?
Nauru is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 103 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Nauru?
The average life expectancy in Nauru is 62.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Nauru?
The GDP per capita of Nauru is $13,609.