Top 8 facts about the least visited country in the world

1. The smallest island nation in the world

Covering an area of ​​21 square kilometers, Nauru is the world's smallest island nation. The country is home to just over 10,000 people, behind Vatican City in terms of the world's lowest population record. Experiencing many historical upheavals, Nauru declared its independence in 1968. Nauru has no reserves, no world heritage sites, no rivers and only 30km of roads.

 Nauru is the smallest island country in the world.

2. The road by the airport stretches across the territory

The island nation of Nauru is so small that the airport's runway spans almost the entire width of its territory. The limitation in tourism development strategy makes this place rarely receive incoming flights. In addition, the country also has a 3.9 km narrow gauge railway (built in 1907) to transport mined phosphates - the mainstay of the island's economy for decades.

3. The most obese country in the world

According to the CIA's World Factbook, in 2016, 61% of Nauru residents were obese. The condition occurs mainly due to a diet consisting mainly of instant noodles, white rice, soda and imported foods that are high in calories. They also consume very little fruit and vegetables. Instead of farming and fishing for food, it's much easier to buy imported frozen and canned foods. According to the Gazette Review, the list of countries with high rates of obesity changes from year to year, but Nauru always occupies the high position.

4. Used to be the richest country in the world

A row of ruined villas along the coast recalls the island's rich past. In the 1970s, it was a phosphate-rich country with a per capita income second only to Saudi Arabia. Now, those phosphate reserves are almost exhausted. The country is heavily dependent on Australian aid.

5. Pleasant country

 Nauru is surrounded by coral reefs, suitable for scuba diving activities.

The first Westerners arrived in Nauru in 1789. John Fearn was an English whaling fisherman. He was impressed by the island's pleasant climate. Nauru is surrounded by coral reefs, suitable for scuba diving activities. However, the impact of phosphate mining has wiped out much of the marine life here.

6. Most of the people on the island speak English

With close ties to Australia, New Zealand and the UK, it's 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 army

Nauru is one of 16 countries that do not have an army. Australia has a responsibility to keep this island nation safe and peaceful. There is also no police force here.

8. Australian rugby is a favorite sport:

Along with weightlifting, Australian rugby is considered the national sport here.