Nauru is a small Pacific Island nation approximately 50 kilometres south of the Equator, 800 km east of the Soloman Islands and 3,000 kilometres north-east of Australia. With an area of only 21 square kilometres, Nauru is the third-smallest country in the world, larger than only Vatican City and Monaco.  The population is approximately 12,025 (2025). Nauru does not have a capital city; however, government offices are in the Yaren District

Nauru is an independent republic, and the President is the Head of State and Head of Government. The discovery of rich phosphate deposits in the late 19th century transformed Nauru's economy. However, over-reliance on a single resource and the damage caused by extensive mining has led to economic turmoil. In an effort to diversify the economy, Nauru turned to a number of money-making schemes, such as selling citizenship and hosting Australia’s offshore refugee detention facility.

Nauru does not have a standing Military. The Nauru Police Force consists of a few hundred officers that performs domestic law enforcement, border management, and limited maritime surveillance. Australia is Nauru’s principle security partner.