FACT SHEET (for visiting media personnel)
Nauru is a small oval shaped
island north-east of Australia. It lies 42 kilometres south of the
equator.
A coral reef surrounds the entire
island which is dotted with pinnacles.
Population - approximately 11,000
including non-Nauruan population of approximately 1,000.
The resumption of phosphate mining
and exporting in 2005 gave Nauru's economy a much needed boost. The
secondary deposits of phosphate have an estimated remaining life of
about 30 years.
Nauru gained Independence on 31
January 1968.
Nauru's
flag: The white 12-pointed star represents Nauru
and the 12 tribes. The gold strip represents the equator and the
blue background being the vast Pacific ocean which surrounds
Nauru.
Visa
requirements: for visiting media personnel: must
send an email request to enter Nauru for media related work. Email
to be sent to the director of the immigration office Mr Rajeev
Keerthiyil rajeevnauruimmigration@gmail.com
or for general enquiries darlenenauruimmi@gmail.com
Required documents for visa
application: A completed visa application form,
scanned copy of passport/details page, letter from employer stating
reason for trip, and payment of the AUD$8000 media visa application
fee.
The Media Visa application fee is
non-refundable should your application be unsuccessful.
- Please note that immigration officials at the airport will take
your passport upon arrival for processing at the office and will be
returned later in the day or the following morning.
Cash:
Australian dollars is the legal tender in Nauru. Foreign exchange
at any outlet will be difficult.
Cash is still the common and
preferred form of payment in Nauru, however, EFTPOS payments has
become available in major supermarkets and some other outlets.
Online payments are also accepted by most businesses. There is a
Nauru Agency of the Bendigo Bank on island, the main office is
located at the Civic Centre in Aiwo District. There are a number of
ATMs on the island that accept most bank cards.
Accommodation:
There are two hotels - one is government owned and the other is
family owned. There are other accommodation options (unit type)
that are privately owned. Please advise your preference and details
can be forwarded on to you.
Weather:
Generally around high 20s - mid-30s. Summer clothing
recommended.
Attire:
Modest summer clothing/casual wear is acceptable but if making
appointments with Government officials or attending church
services, it is recommended to dress respectfully. Swimsuits
are not a norm in Nauru; swimmers can either wear a sarong or
shorts over swimsuits.
Transport:
There is no public transport. Car hire is recommended. Please
advise and company details will be forwarded to you.
Communications:
SIM cards may be purchased from Digicel's main office or selected
outlets.
Modems (desk and pocket size) are
available for purchase.
Power/Voltage:
240volts
Media:
Nauru Media Bureau houses the TV station, radio station and monthly
newspaperMwinen ko.
Government Information
Office (GIO): The GIO produces and publishes
government press releases and the government newsletter,Nauru
Bulletin.
For general information contact: gio.nauru@gmail.com
Government and
portfolios:
The President of the Republic of Nauru is the Head of State and
Head of Government -
His Excellency
President Lionel Rouwen Aingimea, MP
The President's portfolios are:
Chairman of the Cabinet; Minister for Public Service; Foreign
Affairs & Trade; Nauru Police Force; National Emergency
Services; Multicultural Affairs; Land Management; Nauru Air
Corporation; Port Authority of Nauru; Eigigu Solution Corporation;
Nauru RPC Corporation; Nauru Media; Information, Communications
& Technology; Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust; Education; Nauru
Tourism; Naoero Postal Services Corporation; Cenpac
Corporation.
Hon. Martin
Hunt, MP
Minister Assisting the President; Finance & Sustainable
Development; Transport; Eigigu Holdings Corporation.
Hon. Isabella
Dageago, MP
Minister for Health; Internal Affairs; Women and Social
Development Affairs; People With Disabilities.
Hon. Maverick
Eoe, MP
Minister for Justice & Border Control; Sports; Nauru Sports
Development Inc.
Hon. Rennier
Gadabu, MP
Minister for Commerce, Industry and Environment; Climate Change;
Infrastructure Development.
Hon. Reagan
Winson Aliklik, M.P
Minister for RONPHOS; Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation.
Hon. Joe-Grant
Wawani Dowiyogo, M.P
Minister for Fisheries Corporation; Nauru Utilities
Corporation.
Nauru Parliament:
- There are 19 publicly elected Members of Parliament (MP).
- Elections are compulsory and are conducted every three (3)
years.
- The public elects the MPs in their respective constituencies;
the 19 MPs elect a President; the President elects his
Cabinet.
Miscellaneous:
- Fruit trees are coconut, mango, pawpaw, lime, breadfruit, sour
sop, pandanus. The indigenous hardwood is the tomano tree.
- There are a variety of flower trees/plants but the most widely
used/favoured are the franjipani, iud, hibiscus, irimone (jasmine),
eaquañeiy (from tomano tree), emet, bougainvillea and yellow
bells.
- Nauruans eat a variety of seafood but fish is still a favourite
food of Nauruans - raw, dried, cooked.
Schools:
- 4 Infant schools
- 3 primary schools (including the Catholic school)
- 2 secondary level schools (Nauru Secondary School and Nauru
College)
- 1 school for the able/disabled