Yaren: The Heartbeat of Nauru

• HelloIaorana
  [Yow-rah-nah]
• GoodbyeTofa
  [Tow-fah]
• YesE
  [Eh]
• NoAe
  [Eye]
• Please/You're welcomeFakamolemole
  [Fah-kah-moh-leh-moh-leh]
• Thank youFakafetai
  [Fah-kah-feh-tie]
• Excuse me/SorryFaamalie
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee-eh]
• How are you?Taema
  [Tie-mah]
• Fine. And you?Lelei. Oe?
  [Leh-leh. Oh-eh?]
• Do you speak English?Osa tautea i te reo Pālagi?
  [Oh-sah tow-teh-ah ee teh reh-oh pah-lah-gee?]
• I don't understandE le mafai ona malamalama
  [Eh leh mah-fie oh-nah mah-lah-mah-lah-mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseFaamalie, ou te fia vaega i le lipa
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee, oh-oo teh fee-ah vah-eh-gah ee leh lee-pah]
• I don't eat meatE leai seai meaai
  [Eh leh-eye seh-eye meh-eye]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseFaamalie, ou te fia totogi
  [Fah-ah-mah-lee, oh-oo teh fee-ah toe-toh-gee]

• Help!Fesoasoani!
  [Feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee!]
• Go away!Alu i le taeao!
  [Ah-loo ee leh tah-eh-ah-oh!]
• Call the Police!Telefoni i leoleo!
  [Teh-leh-foh-nee ee leh-oh-leh-oh!]
• Call a doctor!Telefoni i le faamasinoga!
  [Teh-leh-foh-nee ee leh fah-ah-mah-see-noh-gah!]
• I'm lostUa ou tauli
  [Oo-ah oh tah-oo-lee]
• I'm illUa ou ma'i
  [Oo-ah oh mah-ee]

• I'd like to buy...E te fia fesoasoani...
  [Eh teh fee-ah feh-soh-ah-soh-ah-nee...]
• I'm just lookingOu te tatala lava
  [Oh-oo teh tah-tah-lah lah-vah]
• How much is it?E fia piliki?
  [Eh fee-ah pee-lee-kee?]
• That's too expensiveO lea lelei
  [Oh leh-ah leh-leh]
• Can you lower the price?Faaualofa atu le pisinisi
  [Fah-ah-oo-ah-loh-fah ah-too leh pee-see-nee-see]

• What time is it?O le taimi e leai
  [Oh leh tah-ee-mee eh leh-eye]
• It's one o'clockO le taimi e tasi
  [Oh leh tah-ee-mee eh tah-see]
• Half past (10)I le igoa o le 10
  [Ee leh ee-goh-ah oh leh 10]
• MorningTaeao
  [Tah-eh-ah-oh]
• AfternoonAfiafi
  [Ah-fee-ah-fee]
• EveningTaeao
  [Tah-eh-ah-oh]
• YesterdayAnanafi
  [Ah-nah-nah-fee]
• TodayLenei
  [Leh-neh-ee]
• TomorrowAso nei
  [Ah-soh neh-ee]
• 1Tasi
  [Tah-see]
• 2Lua
  [Loo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [Toh-loo]
• 4Fa
  [Fah]
• 5Lima
  [Lee-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-noh]
• 7Fitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Valu
  [Vah-loo]
• 9Iva
  [Ee-vah]
• 10Sefulu
  [Seh-foo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?O fea...
  [Oh feh-ah...]
• What's the address?O le tusi tuatusi?
  [Oh leh too-see too-ah-too-see?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Faaualofa le faaali mai
  [Fah-ah-oo-ah-loh-fah leh fah-ah-ah-lee mah-ee]
• When's the next (bus)?Aso a lea?
  [Ah-soh ah leh-ah?]
• A ticket (to ....)Se faʻa tupe (i ....)
  [Seh fah-ah too-peh eee ....]

The area now known as Yaren has been inhabited for at least 3,000 years by the indigenous Nauruan people. These early settlers are believed to have migrated from other Pacific islands and established a unique culture centered around fishing, agriculture, and community life.

In the late 19th century, Nauru became a point of interest for European powers, and Yaren saw the establishment of colonial administration. Germany annexed Nauru in 1888, and the island, including Yaren, came under German rule until World War I.

In 1900, large deposits of phosphate were discovered in Nauru, significantly impacting Yaren and the entire island. The British Phosphate Commissioners took control of mining operations, leading to economic growth but also environmental degradation and displacement of local communities.

During World War II, Nauru, including Yaren, was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 until 1945. The occupation brought significant hardship, including forced labor and food shortages, profoundly affecting the local population.

After World War II, Nauru came under the trusteeship of Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Yaren became the administrative center, with efforts focused on rebuilding and developing infrastructure that had been damaged during the war.

On January 31, 1968, Nauru declared its independence, and Yaren was chosen as the de facto capital due to its central location and existing administrative buildings. This marked a new chapter in the island's history, with Yaren playing a crucial role in its governance and development.

In recent years, Yaren has continued to evolve, balancing traditional Nauruan culture with modern influences. The area hosts key government buildings, educational institutions, and cultural sites, making it a focal point for both locals and visitors.

Yaren is not only the administrative heart of Nauru but also a cultural hub. Traditional Nauruan customs, such as storytelling, dance, and music, are regularly celebrated here, preserving the island's rich heritage for future generations.

Yaren is the capital district of Nauru, located on the island's southwestern coast. The primary point of entry is Nauru International Airport (INU), which has limited international flights mainly from Brisbane, Australia, and sometimes from Fiji and Kiribati. From the airport, Yaren is only a short drive away. There are no ferries or other passenger ships serving Nauru due to its remote location.

Nauru is a small island, and transportation options are limited. Most visitors get around by renting cars or using local taxis. There is no public bus system, but the island's small size makes it easy to travel between districts. Bicycles are also a popular option for getting around, and some accommodations offer them for rent. Walking is feasible within Yaren itself due to its compact size.

The official currency of Nauru is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash. There is one bank on the island, the Bank of Nauru, where you can conduct financial transactions. ATMs are scarce, and it is wise to bring enough cash to cover your expenses.

Yaren is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific areas in Yaren known for high crime rates targeting tourists, but always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 111 for medical emergencies. The Nauru Police Force and Nauru General Hospital are located in Yaren. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Yaren where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs. While Nauru is not predominantly religious, it is important to be respectful in places of worship and during local ceremonies. Public Transport: Do be aware that public transport is minimal. Taxis and rental cars are your best options. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t waste food, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Yaren like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh seafood and traditional Nauruan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about Nauru's history and culture. Don't miss visiting Anibare Bay for a beautiful beach experience and exploring the remnants of phosphate mining which has shaped much of the island's history.