Nauru Population 2026
As of 2025, the population of Nauru is estimated at 11,947, making it one of the smallest sovereign nations in the world. The country is classified as a high-income economy and is located in the East Asia & Pacific region. Despite its tiny size, Nauru's population has experienced modest growth in recent years.
Population Trend (Nauru)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Nauru's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
Nauru's demographic profile reflects its status as a small island nation with a population of just 11,947 in 2025. The country's 1-year growth rate stands at 0.61%, indicating a slow but positive increase compared to the previous year. Over the past decade, the average annual growth rate has been 1.07%, suggesting a slightly higher pace of expansion historically, though recent growth has moderated.
As a high-income country in the East Asia & Pacific region, Nauru's economic classification is unusual for its size, largely due to past phosphate mining revenues. However, the population remains extremely small, ranking 216th globally in terms of population size. This low rank places Nauru among the least populous countries, with only a handful of territories and microstates having fewer inhabitants.
The demographic trends in Nauru are influenced by factors such as limited land area (just 21 square kilometers) and a history of economic fluctuations. The population growth rate, while positive, is below the regional average for East Asia & Pacific, where many countries experience faster growth or decline. Nauru's high-income status does not necessarily correlate with high fertility, and the population is expected to remain small for the foreseeable future.
In regional context, Nauru is one of several Pacific island nations with very small populations. Its growth rate of 0.61% in 2025 reflects a stable demographic situation, with no major booms or busts. The 10-year average growth of 1.07% indicates that the population has been gradually increasing, though at a decelerating pace in the most recent year.
Key Facts
- Population of Nauru in 2025: 11,947
- Annual population growth rate (2025): 0.61%
- 10-year average annual growth rate: 1.07%
- Global population rank: 216th out of all countries
- Region: East Asia & Pacific
- Income group: High income