Yaren

Introduction

Yaren is the capital of Nauru and has about 800 inhabitants. The district was created in 1968. Its original name, Makwa (or Moqua), refers to Moqua Well, an underground lake and primary source of drinking water for Nauruan people. Yaren is located in the south of the island. Its area is 1.5 km2, and its elevation was 25 metres as of 2007. To the north of Yaren is Buada, to the east is Meneng and to the west is Boe.

Sights and Activities

The Moqua Well, a small underground lake is situated in Yaren. The name of the well 'Moqua' (sometimes referred to as 'Makwa') is derived from the former name by which Yaren was known. During World War II, Moqua Well was the primary source of drinking water for inhabitants of Nauru. It is for this reason that the body of water is referred to as a well instead of a lake. In 2001, Nauruan authorities decided to put up a fence to prevent accidents, after an alcohol-related drowning in the same year. Nearby are the Moqua Caves, a series of underground caves below Yaren.

Events and Festivals

Independence Day

Each January 31, the people of Nauru celebrate the anniversary of the day the island officially became the tiniest independent republic on Earth by hoisting flags, singing the national anthem and speeches made by local politicians. The holiday begins with a fishing competition followed by wrestling matches, tug of war and other lively sporting events. A clean-up competition also takes place among the island’s districts.

Constitution Day

Less than four months after Nauru became an independent country, they signed their first constitution on May 17, 1968. Sports competitions take place throughout the island to mark this important event in its history, and the day begins with a colorful team parade. The last day is the national track and field championships, where athletes run on a crushed coral track that coincides with Constitution Day. The national track and field champions go on to compete against other athletes from across the South Pacific.

National Youth Day

Although September 25 is Nauru’s official Youth Day, the island’s young people host island-wide activities throughout the week. This emphasis is on healthy living and active pursuits on the island infamous for having the world’s largest percentage of obesity. Volleyball, tug of war and a relay race around the Nauru International Airport airstrip are just some of the competitions held during this vibrant festival.

Angam Day

While many other countries worry about overpopulation, Nauru must maintain a number of at least 1,500 residents in order for its people to survive for generations to come. The island’s population plummeted to barely over 1,000 people following dysentery and influenza epidemics during the first two decades of the 20th century. The baby who pushed the island’s population back up to 1,500 entered the world on October 26, 1932, and her birthday has been a national holiday ever since. After the original Angam baby became one of approximately 500 Nauruans who perished during a WWII evacuation to the island of Chuuk, a second Angam baby was born in 1949. The word angam translates roughly to "celebration" or "homecoming" in English.

Weather

Yaren has a tropical climate with humid and warm conditions year-round. The average maximum temperatures are around 30 °C to 32 °C, while temperatures during the night are still a balmy 24 °C or 25 °C during most night. The wet season lasts from November to February, but duing the last years the wet season has varied a lot and sometimes there was even a draught period. Generally, from April to October things are drier and sunnier and the easterly trade winds cool things off a bit.

Getting There

By Plane

The international airport in Yaren receives a number of flights and the national airline is called Our Airline, also known as Air Nauru. Currently, there is only one aircraft serving the route from Brisbane to Nauru via Honiara (Solomon Islands) and from Nauru on to Tarawa (Kiribati) and Majuro (Marshall Islands) twice weekly.

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

External Links