Wanderlust travel magazine recently listed the 7 least visited destinations in the world. Topping the list is the island nation of Nauru, which attracts about 200 visitors each year.
1. The Smallest Island Nation in the World
With an area of 21 km2, Nauru is the smallest island nation on the planet. This country has a population of just over 10,000 people, ranking just behind Vatican City for the lowest population in the world. After undergoing many historical upheavals, Nauru declared independence in 1968. The country has no reserves, no UNESCO World Heritage sites, no rivers, and only 30 km of roads.
Nauru is the smallest island nation on the planet.
2. A Runway Stretching Across the Territory
The island nation of Nauru is so small that the airport runway stretches nearly the entire width of the territory. Limitations in tourism development strategies mean that flights to this destination are rare. Additionally, there is a narrow-gauge railway of 3.9 km (built in 1907) to transport phosphate that has been mined—once the pillar of the island’s economy for many decades.
3. One of the Most Obese Countries in the World
According to the World Factbook by the CIA, in 2016, 61% of the residents in Nauru were obese. This condition primarily arises from a diet consisting mainly of instant noodles, white rice, soda, and calorie-dense imported foods. They also consume very few fruits and vegetables. Instead of farming and fishing for food, purchasing frozen and canned imported foods has become much easier. According to Gazette Review, the list of countries with high obesity rates changes each year, but Nauru consistently ranks high.
4. Once One of the Richest Countries in the World
A row of dilapidated villas along the coastline evokes the island’s wealthy past. In the 1970s, it was a phosphate-rich nation with a per capita income second only to Saudi Arabia. Today, those phosphate reserves are nearly depleted. The country relies heavily on aid from Australia.
5. A Pleasant Nation
Nauru is surrounded by coral reefs, suitable for diving activities.
The first Westerners to set foot on Nauru did so in 1789. John Fearn, a British whaling fisherman, was very impressed by the island’s pleasant climate. Nauru is surrounded by coral reefs, making it suitable for diving activities. However, the impact of phosphate mining has wiped out much of the marine life here.
6. Most Residents Speak English
With close ties to Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, it is no surprise that at least half of Nauru’s population speaks English (according to David Crystal’s book English as a Global Language). However, the official language here is Nauruan.
7. No Military
Nauru is one of the 16 countries without a military. Australia is responsible for keeping this island nation safe and secure. There is also no police force here. Photo: Wallpaper Abyss.
8. Australian Rules Football is the Favorite Sport:
Along with weightlifting, Australian rules football is considered the national sport here.
