From a bird's eye view of the western Pacific Ocean one can hardly locate the elliptical
Nauru Island spread across an area of 21.3 square kilometers and inhabited by an equally small population. Being situated in the south west direction of the Equator it is located at a distance of 4023 km from Honolulu and has the Republic of Kiribati as its immediate neighbor. The country does not possess a proper capital city and the administrative functions are carried out from Yaren district. Nauru Island is also a part of the Commonwealth group of Nations.
The island is characterized by a rocky and an uneven terrain interrupted by lofty coral peaks formed as a result of incessant phosphate mining. There is a brief stretch of fertile land about 150-300 m wide which is used for coconut plantations, pandanus trees. Banana plantations are found in the adjoining areas. Owing to its exposure to the sea, the island enjoys a tropical climate. Temperatures during the day range between 24 degree Celsius to 34 degree Celsius and make for a pleasant climate.
The Nauru Island was the home of many local birds which are almost on the verge of extinction namely the black tern. Some of them like the frigate birds have been frequently captured and domesticated.
The
Nauru Island noted for its phosphate reserves is currently encountering the problem of depleted sources. Mining has had a tremendous impact on the marine life of the Pacific belt as well and an estimated 40% of it has perished.
The island of Nauru is divided into several districts like:
- Yaren
- Nibok
- Anibare
- Boe
- Denigomudu
- Anabar
- Uaboe
- Ewa
- Baiti
- Aiwo
- Buada
- Anetan
- Ijuw
- Meneng
The virgin islands of Nauru in the Pacific are yet to be explored and discovered by people from other parts of the world.
