A Unique Island Nation
Nauru, a remote island nation located in the heart of Micronesia, is known for being the least visited country in the world. It welcomes less than 200 tourists annually, making it an incredibly exclusive destination. In addition to this, Nauru holds the distinction of being the fattest country globally, with over 90% of its inhabitants classified as overweight or obese.
With an area of just 21 square kilometers, Nauru is the third-smallest country in the world, slightly larger than Vatican City and Monaco. The population of around 12,000 people can be fully circled by car in just 30 minutes, offering a unique glimpse into a compact and isolated community.
A Picture-Postcard Escape
While parts of Nauru offer a picturesque tropical escape, complete with white sand beaches, coral reefs, and coconut palms along the coast, approximately 80% of the country remains uninhabited. This contrast between natural beauty and desolation creates a distinctive atmosphere on the island.
Travel blogger Noel Philips from Australia recently documented his trip to Nauru in a video posted on his YouTube channel, @noelphilips. He traveled from Brisbane Airport in February and revealed that he was the thirteenth person to be granted access to the island as a tourist in 2026.
Upon arrival, Noel began exploring Nauru, providing a glimpse into daily life through visits to the beach, the barren ‘Topside,’ and local supermarkets. While he found the deserted landscape unsettling, describing it as ‘apocalyptic,’ he was also amazed by the astronomical prices of staples in local shops.
High Costs and Limited Options
He explained that since most supermarket produce arrives weekly by cargo ship, frozen food is preferred over fresh food, which can cost significantly more. For instance, a single mango can cost around $20 AUD (£10.41), while a frozen pie costs notably less at $12 AUD (£6.25).
With a total dependence on imported, low-quality processed foods, it’s no wonder Nauru, alongside Tonga and the Cook Islands, consistently ranks as the fattest country on the planet.
Environmental Impact and Health Crisis
Intensive phosphate mining is the main environmental factor behind the crisis, having ruined the landscape and halted traditional agriculture across the island. Following the mining boom, Nauruans’ diet shifted rapidly from fresh fish, fruit, and root vegetables to imported, processed foods such as white rice, fried chicken, tinned produce, and sugary drinks.
Today, 94.5% of Nauru’s inhabitants are classed as overweight or obese, and the island has the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in the world, affecting over 40% of the population.
Before decades of aggressive phosphate mining devastated its landscape, Nauru’s vast mineral reserves briefly made it the world’s richest nation per capita during the 1960s. Today, with its reserves largely exhausted, the island has become reliant on Australian financial aid, its center standing as a barren ‘lunar landscape,’ marked by deep pits and jagged limestone rocks, with no natural rivers or harbor.
Challenges of Visiting Nauru
Despite being a five-hour flight from Brisbane, Nauru sees few visitors due to limited access, extreme isolation, few traditional holiday attractions, and challenging visa procedures. Located in the Pacific Ocean, getting to the island is difficult and costly, with only 10 Nauru Airlines flights departing Australia each week.
Consequently, one-way fares often exceed £1,000 throughout the year. Accommodation in Nauru is scarce, with just two main hotels and a handful of private serviced apartments, according to Nauru’s government website.
Menen Hotel, the largest, features just over 100 guest rooms, one restaurant, one bar, and views of nearby Anibare Bay. Meanwhile, OD-N-Aiwo, a three-storey complex that stands as the tallest building in Nauru, offers a more affordable stay with easy access to a supermarket, coffee shop, bank, and an ATM.
For those seeking a more intimate accommodation, a small number of modern serviced apartments, like Ewa Lodge and Goodworks, are available.
Due to the island’s size, there are no public taxis in Nauru. To get around, visitors are generally encouraged to rent a car from local providers, hire a car directly from a hotel, board the community bus, or walk.
