For those expats looking for a truly exotic place to call home, Nauru should definitely be considered. Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world just covering 8 square miles located in Micronesia in the South Pacific.
Climate
Nauru is the smallest island nation located in Micronesia near the equator which gives Nauru steady temperatures throughout the year. There is a dry season and rainy season. The dry season is usually breezy due to the easterly trade winds and has an average temperature between 75 and 91 degrees. During the wet season that falls between November and February, Nauru has average rainfalls of about 80 inches. Humidity is usually constant year round with humidity rates hovering between 70 and 80 percent.
Government
Nauru is the smallest island nation, located in Micronesia, this islands economy was once made up of mining, specifically phosphate rock. Mining has been its major economic source since 1907 and today, the phosphate reserves are exhausted causing Nauru to find other types of industries to be economically viable. Nauru is considered to be an economic republic and is fairly stable. Unfortunately with the economic downturn, the people of Nauru do not have the high quality of living that they once enjoyed.
To visit Nauru, you must first have a visa, which can be obtained at the point of entry. Visas usually last for up to 30 days. You can find out more information about visas and residency requirements at Permanent Mission of the Republic of Nauru to the United Nations: Travel, Tourism, and Transportation.
Tax System
Nauru is known as a tax haven and has no personal income taxes, no corporate income taxes, no sales tax, no employment taxes, no estate tax, no tax on inheritance, etc. While Nauru does not have many taxes that other nations have, it is important to talk to a Nauru lawyer on tax liability or setting up a business. In many ways residing and starting a business in Nauru can be a complicated matter. More information about Nauru taxes can be found at Swiss Offshore Group: Republic of Nauru.
Medical Care
Medical care is adequate on the island, however if you are seriously ill or injured, you will usually need to be evacuated to New Zealand for medical treatment. Most doctors and clinics require that you pay in cash or with a credit card at the time of treatment. For those looking to stay on the island for the short term, you can purchase travelers insurance that includes medical. Be sure to purchase a plan that includes medical evacuation.
Real Estate
Foreigners can have a difficult time investing in real estate on the island. In fact, purchasing land for nationals has been a problem mainly due to verbal agreements used to transfer property from one generation to another or from one party to another. Since the island is very small, there is a large population density with over 13,000 people living on about 8 square miles of land, it can be hard to find land that is undeveloped.
For those truly interested in purchasing property on Nauru, you should contact a real estate office on the island along with a real estate lawyer to make sure that your purchase is as smooth as possible.
As far as renting or leasing goes, there are properties available for rent/lease; prices are usually moderate, however bargains can be found.
Shopping
As far as shopping goes on the island, everything is usually imported causing selection to be low and prices to be higher than the mainland. While you will find the basics, do not expect to find your favorite brands. Items that you may take for granted in the states can be non existent on the island. As far as luxury goods goes, there are luxury items available and these items are usually targeted to the tourists that frequent the island.
Regarding entertainment on the island, there are many things for one to do on the island which includes restaurants, bars and night life. There are also plenty of marine activities. Nauru is surrounded by a natural coral reef which is a main reason tourists flock to this island nation.
Cost of Living
The cost of living on Nauru is usually rated as low to moderate. While it does cost more to purchase some goods due to import costs, Nauru has low taxes and no income tax. While Nauru once had one of the highest per capita incomes in the world due to phosphate mining, today all the reserves are practically gone making most islanders out of work and near insolvency. Due to the downturn in the Nauru economy, prices have dropped somewhat and there are items that can be found for less than just a few years ago.
Extradition from Nauru
The Extradition treaty between Nauru and the UK was signed on December 22, 1931
This treaty was entered into force on August 30, 1935
Map of Nauru
