Interior Lowland

The Interior Lowland of Nauru is a unique geographical depression located in the southwest of the island's central plateau. It stands in stark contrast to the surrounding 'Topside' area, which has been largely stripped of vegetation and soil due to decades of intensive phosphate mining. This lower-lying basin serves as a natural catchment area for rainwater, supporting the most lush and diverse vegetation on the island. At the center of this depression lies Buada Lagoon, the country's only freshwater lake, surrounded by a fertile belt of coconut palms, pandanus trees, and tropical fruit crops. This area remains one of the few places in Nauru where the soil is suitable for agriculture and where the original island ecosystem can still be glimpsed. For locals and visitors alike, the Interior Lowland represents a vital green oasis, providing a crucial habitat for native birds and a serene environment away from the industrial scars of the mining plateaus.

Nearby cities

Baitsi

Baitsi is located in the north of Nauru and extends from the coast into the hilly interior.

Boe

Boe is a small but densely populated administrative district in southwest Nauru.

Buada Historic Settlement

The fertile inland area around Buada Lagoon, a center for agriculture and settlement on the island for centuries.

Yaren

Yaren is the primary administrative district of Nauru and serves as the de facto capital.

Aiwo

Aiwo is considered the main commercial hub of Nauru.

Buada

Buada is the only landlocked district of Nauru.

Denigomodu Settlement

Denigomodu is the economic residential hub for phosphate industry workers.

Denigomodu

Denigomodu is the most populous district of Nauru.

Nibok

Nibok is a district on the western coast of Nauru.

Meneng

Meneng is an extensive district in the southeast of Nauru.

Uaboe

Uaboe is a small coastal district in northwestern Nauru.

Anibare

Anibare is best known for the bay of the same name, which offers the island's finest swimming beach.

Ewa

Ewa is the northernmost point of Nauru.

Anetan

Anetan is a district on the northern coast of Nauru.

Ijuw

Ijuw is the easternmost district of Nauru.

History & landmarks

Centenary Complex

A complex of buildings built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of phosphate, now housing government offices.

Parliament House of Nauru

The Parliament House in Yaren is the political heart of the island nation.

BPC Administration Building

The former headquarters of the British Phosphate Commissioners, who controlled mining for decades.

Yaren Police Station

The police station in Yaren is the headquarters for Nauru's police force.

Moqua Well

Moqua Well is a small underground lake in a limestone cave in Yaren.

Command Ridge

Command Ridge is the highest point in Nauru at 65 meters elevation.

Moqua Caves

The Moqua Caves are a branching system of underground passages in coral limestone.

Nature

Buada Lagoon

Buada Lagoon is a landlocked, brackish lake located in the center of the island.

Boe Coral Belt

The Boe Coral Belt is a narrow reef system on the west of the island.

More places

Buada Basin

The Buada Basin is a natural depression within the central plateau, containing the island's only inland lake.

Buada District Gardens

The gardens in Buada District show a mix of ornamental and food plants.

Boe Coastal Flora

The flora of Boe includes a variety of beach morning glories and low-lying coastal plants.

Japanese Hospital Ruins

Remains of a Japanese army medical facility, built in the island's interior during the Pacific War.

Buada Pandanus Groves

The Pandanus groves around Buada Lagoon are a sanctuary for native flora.

Naoero Museum

Nauru's national museum, housing artifacts related to island history, phosphate mining, and World War II.

Nauru Airport Terminal

The international airport terminal is Nauru's gateway to the world.

Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation (NRC)

The NRC is responsible for restoring land areas destroyed by mining.