Yaren: what to see and whether to move there

What the country lives on and who it suits

Yaren is the administrative centre of Nauru, the world's third-smallest country by area: an island of about 21 square kilometres with roughly 12,000 people. There is no official capital, but parliament and government sit in Yaren. Nauru was once among the richest countries per capita thanks to phosphate mining; now income comes from fishing licences, the Australian refugee processing centre and a citizenship-for-contribution programme.

Yaren suits those interested in Nauru's citizenship programme, researchers and lovers of rare places. For living and working the island is very small.

Cost of living and money

The currency is the Australian dollar, about 1.44 per US dollar on 6 October 2026. Almost everything is imported, so food is expensive and fresh vegetables scarce. There are only a few hotels, and housing for foreigners is limited. ATMs are few, cards are not accepted everywhere, and cash is always needed.

Practicalities: climate, communications, transport

Climate. Equatorial: hot and humid all year, with more rain from November to February. Transport. A single ring road of about 19 km circles the island, and people drive or ride scooters. Communications. Internet is limited and expensive. The national airline links Nauru with Brisbane, Fiji and neighbouring islands.

Entry and legal status

• most foreigners must obtain a visa in advance, usually electronic;
• the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival;
• citizens of Pacific Islands Forum countries except Kiribati and Tuvalu receive a 30-day permit on arrival.

Nauru citizenship for a contribution

Since 2024 Nauru grants citizenship for a contribution to a climate resilience fund: $90,000 until 31 December 2026, $115,000 from 1 January 2027, plus a $5,000 application fee and $2,000 per family member aged 16 and over. Processing takes 3-4 months, living on the island is not required, and due diligence and an interview are mandatory. More on the Nauru citizenship page.

What to see

The island's inner plateau consists of former phosphate pits with limestone pinnacles resembling a lunar landscape. Along the shore are coral reefs and Buada Lagoon ringed by palms. Japanese Second World War fortifications can also be seen.

How life on the island works

Nauru has no towns in the usual sense: 14 districts stretch along the coast on the ring road, and Yaren has parliament, the government and the airport. Fresh water is scarce and comes from desalination plants and rainwater tanks. Most food arrives by sea, so shop shelves depend on ship arrivals.

Healthcare and communications

The island has one hospital that handles basic cases; complex cases fly to Australia or Fiji, so insurance with evacuation is needed. Mobile coverage spans the whole island, and internet is available but slow and expensive compared with the mainland.

History

Nauru became independent in 1968 after a period of administration by Australia, the UK and New Zealand. Phosphate mining in the twentieth century brought wealth but destroyed most of the island, and after the deposits were exhausted the country went through a severe financial crisis. Since then Nauru has sought new sources of income, one of which is the citizenship programme.

Is the city worth considering

The pluses are calm, a rare destination and a fast citizenship programme without a residence requirement. The minuses are a tiny territory, expensive imported food, little housing and work, and weak healthcare. Yaren is not for relocation but for getting a Nauru passport or a short visit.