How Big Is Nauru? The World's Third Smallest Country

Nauru is a tiny island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.

Key Dimensions

• Area: 21 km² (8.1 sq mi)
• Circumference: ~19 km (12 mi)
• Length: ~6 km (3.7 mi)
• Width: ~4 km (2.5 mi) at widest point

Global Ranking

Nauru is the third smallest country by area (after Vatican City and Monaco) and the smallest island nation. It has no official capital; government offices are in Yaren District.

Context

Once wealthy from phosphate mining, Nauru faces environmental degradation and economic challenges. Its small size and remote location (nearest neighbor: Banaba, Kiribati, ~300 km) define its unique geopolitical position.