The Hidden Gem of Micronesia
Nestled in the heart of Micronesia, a remote island nation stands out for its unique characteristics. This country welcomes fewer than 200 tourists annually, making it the least visited country globally. Alongside this distinction, it also holds the title of the fattest country in the world, with over 90% of its inhabitants classified as overweight or obese.
Covering just 21 square kilometers, Nauru is the third-smallest country in the world, slightly smaller than Vatican City and Monaco. Home to approximately 12,000 people, the island can be fully circled by car in just 30 minutes, offering a glimpse into its compact yet diverse landscape.
While parts of Nauru boast a picture-postcard tropical escape, featuring white sand beaches, coral reefs, and coconut palms along the coast, around 80% of the country remains uninhabited. This contrast highlights the island’s unique character and challenges.
A Unique Travel Experience
Travel blogger Noel Philips, from Australia, documented his recent trip to the island in a video posted to his YouTube channel, @noelphilips. His journey began from Brisbane Airport in February, where he was the thirteenth person granted access to the island as a tourist in 2026.
Upon arrival, Noel immediately started exploring Nauru, sharing insights 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,’ Noel was amazed by the high prices of staples in local shops. He noted that most supermarket produce arrives weekly by cargo ship, leading to a preference for frozen food over fresh options. For instance, a single mango could cost around $20 AUD (£10.41), while a frozen pie was significantly cheaper at $12 AUD (£6.25).
Environmental and Health Challenges
The reliance on imported, low-quality processed foods has contributed to Nauru’s status as one of the fattest countries. Intensive phosphate mining has been a major environmental factor behind the crisis, damaging the landscape and halting traditional agriculture. Following the mining boom, the diet of Nauruans 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 classified as overweight or obese, with the island having 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. However, with its reserves largely exhausted, the island now relies on Australian financial aid, with its center resembling a barren ‘lunar landscape’ marked by deep pits and jagged limestone rocks.
Accessibility and Accommodation
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 available. Menen Hotel, the largest, features 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. Visitors are generally encouraged to rent a car from local providers, hire a car directly from a hotel, board the community bus, or walk.
