Nauru is an island republic in the Pacific Ocean, 42 kilometers south of the equator and 4,000 kilometers northeast of Sydney, with a total land area of 21 square kilometers. Nauru has a population of approximately 13,000 people.
Nauru's economy faces significant constraints common to other small island states. These include its small size, remoteness and limited natural resources outside of fisheries.
Pelagic fish abound in Nauruan waters, but Nauru has yet to establish a substantial fishing industry of its own. Fees from fishing licenses issued to distant water fishing nations are an important source of revenue for Nauru.
Australia contributes financially to, and takes a shared management role in, the Intergenerational Trust Fund for the People of Nauru. The fund aims to provide a future revenue stream for Nauru to supplement domestic revenue in anticipation of current revenue declining over the next 20 years. Australia is also Nauru's principal import source, with major Australian merchandise exports to Nauru including meat, motor fuel and civil engineering equipment and parts.
Australia enjoys close relations with Nauru and is its largest trade, investment, security and development assistance partner. The Nauru-Australia Treaty, signed on 9 December 2024, builds on the deep foundations of the bilateral relationship between Australia and Nauru. The treaty is an elevation in Australia and Nauru’s relationship and is underpinned by shared values and a commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Pacific region. Under the Treaty, Australia and Nauru commit to a new partnership to bolster Nauru’s economic and fiscal resilience and to deepen security cooperation as Pacific neighbours. Australia's development cooperation aligns with the Government of Nauru National Sustainable Development Strategy. Australia is working with the Government of Nauru to implement this policy and establish a Development Partnership Plan.
The AIFFP in Nauru
Australia’s investment in Nauru, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), includes:
Infrastructure sectors: airports and aviation; and telecommunications and digital
Partners (A-Z): BwebwerikiNET Limited of Kiribati; Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Telecommunications Cable Corporation; Governments of FSM, Japan, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Nauru and United States; Nauru Department of Transport; and Nauru Fibre Cable Corporation
Projects (A-Z):
Improving digital connectivity in the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati and Nauru via submarine cable
Improving Nauru’s international airport
Australian High Commission, Nauru
MQ45 NPC Oe
Aiwo District
Phone: +674 557 3380
For more information on Australia and Nauru’s diplomatic relations, see the DFAT website.