Islam in Nauru is extremely limited, both in terms of population and presence.
1. Population and Presence
- Nauru is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a population of only about 12,000 people.
- The population is overwhelmingly Christian (Protestant and Catholic).
- Islam represents a tiny minority, mostly among foreign workers, refugees, or detainees rather than permanent Nauruan citizens.
- As of the latest data, there are likely fewer than 20 Muslims in Nauru, and possibly none who are citizens.
2. Asylum Seekers and Refugees
- In the 2010s, Nauru hosted refugee processing centers as part of Australia’s controversial offshore detention program.
- Some of these detainees were Muslim asylum seekers from countries such as Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
- Their presence was temporary and linked to the detention centers, not to permanent settlement or community formation.
3. Religious Freedom
- Freedom of religion is protected in Nauru’s constitution.
- There are no mosques, Islamic centers, or organized Islamic groups on the island.
- Any Muslim presence is entirely private or limited to transient foreign populations.
4. Community and Practice
- For the rare Muslims living or working in Nauru (such as diplomats or contractors), Islamic religious practice would be personal and private, with no formal facilities or community events.
Summary:
- Islam is nearly non-existent in Nauru.
- No mosques, Islamic institutions, or local Muslim community.
- Past presence of Muslims was mostly tied to asylum seekers in detention centers, not residents.
- Religious freedom is allowed, but the society is overwhelmingly Christian.
Nauru
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .nr
Country Code: +674