Nauru is a small island country located in the central Pacific Ocean. With an area of just 8.1 square miles, it is the smallest republic in the world. Though small, Nauru has a rich history and culture. Let’s explore some riddles related to this tiny island nation!
Geography
Here are some riddles about the geography and location of Nauru:
Riddle 1
I’m an island nation found in Oceania, northeast of Australia. I’m the smallest republic in the world by area. What country am I?
Answer: Nauru
Riddle 2
I’m an oval-shaped island located 42 kilometers south of the equator. I was once rich in phosphate, but now rely on Australia for economic support. What microstate am I?
Answer: Nauru
Riddle 3
I’m an island country situated in the western Pacific Ocean. My closest neighbors are Banaba Island to the east and the Solomon Islands to the southeast. Only one island makes up my entire territory. What country am I?
Answer: Nauru
History
Let’s look at some riddles about key events and periods in Nauru’s history:
Riddle 4
I was annexed by Germany in the 1880s and was later administered by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Nauru finally gained independence in 1968. What is the country?
Answer: Nauru
Riddle 5
This Pacific island nation was once known as Pleasant Island. Its current name may derive from a local term meaning “I go to the beach.” What country is it?
Answer: Nauru
Riddle 6
In the 20th century, I became very rich from exporting phosphate accumulated from seabird guano. However, by the 1990s, most of my phosphate reserves were depleted. What island country am I?
Answer: Nauru
Culture
Let’s explore some cultural elements of Nauru in these riddles:
Riddle 7
I’m the national sport of Nauru and considered a “national obsession.” Two teams try to throw a coconut into each other’s baskets in this game similar to basketball. What sport am I?
Answer: Nauruan rules football
Riddle 8
I’m a dish considered the national food of Nauru made from coconut milk, onion, curry powder, rice, and either chicken, fish, or beef. What am I?
Answer: Coconut fish
Riddle 9
Nauruans perform this spirited dance at festivities and independence day celebrations. It involves singing and dancing in rapid circular movements to drum beats. What is this traditional dance called?
Answer: Nauruan pandanus dance
Economy
Let’s look at some economic aspects of Nauru in the following riddles:
Riddle 10
In the 1980s I was one of the richest countries per capita thanks to exporting this depleted natural resource found on my small island. What am I and what am I known for exporting?
Answer: Nauru; phosphate
Riddle 11
With phosphate reserves almost entirely depleted by the early 2000s, this small Pacific island nation saw its economy crash. I now rely heavily on aid from this larger country to my south. What country am I and who supports my economy?
Answer: Nauru; Australia
Riddle 12
Nauru has very limited employment opportunities. About 95% of my workforce is employed by this national industry. What is it?
Answer: The Nauru Public Service
Politics
How well do you know the politics of Nauru? Try these riddles:
Riddle 13
I have no official capital city, but the island’s largest settlement functions as the administrative center where the parliament meets. What is this unofficial capital of Nauru called?
Answer: Yaren District
Riddle 14
Nauru’s parliament has how many members?
Answer: 19 members
Riddle 15
Who was Nauru’s founding president and served several stints from 1968 to 1989?
Answer: Hammer DeRoburt
Population
Let’s explore some riddles related to Nauru’s people:
Riddle 16
What is Nauru’s population as of 2022?
Answer: Around 12,000 people
Riddle 17
Nauruans are indigenous to two major Pacific islands chains. Which are they?
Answer: Micronesia and Polynesia
Riddle 18
What are the two official languages of Nauru?
Answer: Nauruan and English
Wildlife
Nauru has limited wildlife, but see if you can guess the answers to these riddles about the island’s fauna:
Riddle 19
These large sea birds nest on the coastal cliffs of Nauru. Their guano provided the phosphate that brought Nauru wealth in the 20th century. What are they?
Answer: Frigatebirds
Riddle 20
These small, noisy birds are commonly found in Nauru’s forested areas. They are one of the island’s only native land animals. What are they?
Answer: Polynesian starlings
Environment
Due to phosphate mining, Nauru faces some environmental challenges. Test your knowledge with these riddles:
Riddle 21
Decades of heavy phosphate mining have left over 80% of my land unusable. I am one of the least habitable places on Earth. What island nation am I?
Answer: Nauru
Riddle 22
Mining left this material covering over two-thirds of Nauru’s landscape. Rehabilitation efforts are underway to make areas usable again.
Answer: Phosphate pinnacles
Riddle 23
Fresh water is extremely limited on Nauru. The island relies on this method to obtain drinking water.
Answer: Desalination
Tourism
Tourism is minimal but growing on Nauru. Test your knowledge with these riddles about visiting:
Riddle 24
Nauru issues this many visitor visas per year, meaning tourism is highly restricted.
Answer: Around 200 visas
Riddle 25
Nauru does not have this common airline amenity found in most countries, adding to the challenge of visiting as a tourist.
Answer: Commercial aircraft/flights
Riddle 26
This narrow ring of natural land surrounds Nauru’s central plateau where the mining occurred. It contains beaches and palm trees more attractive to tourists.
Answer: A coastal fringe
Miscellaneous
Here are a few more fun riddles about this unique island nation:
Riddle 27
Nauru owns property and buildings in this major city, leftover from their prosperous phosphate days.
Answer: Melbourne, Australia
Riddle 28
This dangerous sounding investigators share their name with Nauru’s internet domain suffix.
Answer: Nauru Detectives
Riddle 29
Nauru competed in the Olympics beginning in which year?
Answer: 1996
Riddle 30
Weightlifter Marcus Stephen served as Nauru’s president from 2003 to 2011 while still actively competing. What was his highest political office during that time?
Answer: President of Nauru
Conclusion
While small, Nauru has a unique history and culture all its own. These riddles cover a range of topics related to this tiny island nation, from geography and history to wildlife and tourism. Learning more about far-flung places widens our understanding of the world. Even small nations like Nauru have stories to tell if we take the time to listen and learn. How many riddles could you correctly solve about this remote republic?
