Northern Uplands

The Northern Uplands of Nauru, primarily spanning the districts of Ewa and Anetan, form a distinctive part of the island's interior coral plateau. This elevated region is characterized by a dramatic and somewhat surreal karst landscape, a direct result of extensive phosphate mining that took place throughout the 20th century. What remains today is a maze of towering limestone pinnacles, some several meters high, which create a moon-like terrain once the fertile topsoil was removed. The vegetation in the uplands is sparse, consisting of hardy, salt-tolerant shrubs and occasional trees that cling to the rocky crevices. Despite the environmental transformation, the area provides a profound geological record of Nauru as an uplifted coral atoll. The higher vantage points within the uplands offer panoramic views of the northern coastline and the Pacific Ocean beyond, serving as a poignant reminder of the island's isolation and its complex relationship with its natural resources.

Nearby cities

Baitsi

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

Nibok

Nibok is a district on the western coast of Nauru.

Denigomodu Settlement

Denigomodu is the economic residential hub for phosphate industry workers.

Buada

Buada is the only landlocked district of Nauru.

Buada Historic Settlement

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

Denigomodu

Denigomodu is the most populous district of Nauru.

Aiwo

Aiwo is considered the main commercial hub of Nauru.

Boe

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

Meneng

Meneng is an extensive district in the southeast of Nauru.

Yaren

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

Uaboe

Uaboe is a small coastal district in northwestern Nauru.

Ewa

Ewa is the northernmost point of Nauru.

Anetan

Anetan is a district on the northern coast of Nauru.

Arenibek

Arenibek is a small coastal settlement in the Anabar district.

Anabar

Anabar is located in the northeast of Nauru and is characterized by its rugged rocky coastline.

History & landmarks

Anabar Caves

Natural limestone caves that served as refuges during droughts and wars throughout Nauru's history.

Phosphate Discovery Site

The location where vast phosphate deposits were identified around 1900, changing the course of Nauru's history forever.

Phosphate Pinnacles

These bizarre limestone columns were left behind after the phosphate layers were mined in Nauru's interior.

Eastern Plateau Rim

The eastern rim of the plateau features steep cliffs overlooking the narrow coastal plain of Ijuw.

Eigigu Supermarket

The Eigigu Supermarket is the island's largest commercial center for consumer goods.

Nauru General Hospital

The Nauru General Hospital in Denigomodu is the primary medical facility on the island.

Command Ridge

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

Nature

Ewa Reef

Ewa Reef on the north coast of Nauru is a biologically rich fringing reef.

Anetan Bird Nesting Site

The coastal rocks of Anetan are a favorite nesting and resting spot for frigatebirds.

Anabar Lagoon

Anabar Lagoon is a small brackish water pool on the northeast coast.

Nibok Shrubland

The coastal strips of Nibok are covered by Scaevola bushes and native shrubs.

Buada Lagoon

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

Ijuw Mangroves

Small stands of mangroves grow along the Ijuw coast.

More places

North Cape Nauru

The North Cape of Nauru is the northernmost point of the island, surrounded by coral reefs.

Conservation Nursery

The nursery serves the reforestation of areas damaged by mining.

Japanese Prison Ruins

These ruins date back to the Japanese occupation during World War II.

Nibok Palms

The Nibok Palm groves stretch along the northwestern coastal plain.

Central Plateau Ferns

New fern communities are developing on the central plateau following phosphate mining.

Ijuw Coastline

The coastal stretch of Ijuw in the northeast is characterized by pristine reefs and rock formations.

Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation (NRC)

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

Denigomodu Casuarinas

Groups of Casuarina trees, also known as ironwoods, grow along the Denigomodu coast.