Nauru’s “Angam Day”

Each year on 26 October, Nauru commemorates “Angam Day”, an annual celebration of national resilience. The national holiday recalls a turbulent historical period when Nauru’s population faced outright collapse - and the nation’s very survival was at stake.

It can be traced back to the 1920s when Nauru experienced a perilous population decline in the wake of the 1918-1920 influenza pandemic. With the Nauruan race near extinction, the country’s leaders vowed to inaugurate Angam Day as a national holiday when the population hit 1,500 people, the number considered to be self-sustaining.

It wouldn’t be until over a decade later, with the birth of baby girl Eidagaruwo on 26 October 1932, that Nauru hit its population target and the first Angam Day was born.

Retold through generations, the day keeps alive the memory and resilience of the Nauruan people while also commemorating the 80th anniversary of the return of Nauruans who were exiled to Chuuk in World War II. Nauru’s President His Excellency David Adaeng has spoken of Angam Day being about more than just remembrance.

“It is about who we are” and “believing that no matter what happens, God’s will comes first”, His Excellency said.

“Angam means jubilation, celebration, triumph – and also coming home. It reminds us of our journey as a people – a journey of hardship, survival, and, above all, hope.”

World War II again threatened Nauru’s population with many exiled to Chuuk Atoll by Japan’s armed forces. But on 31 March 1949, Bethel Enproe Adam was born - restoring the minimum count once again and ensuring the survival of the Nauruan race. President Adeang’s reflections on Angam Day also include the observation that:

“As we look back with pride, we must also look forward with purpose. Our future lies with our children. They are the heart and the hope of Nauru. It is our sacred duty – as parents, families, and leaders, to raise them well.” Nauru’s current population is estimated to be around 12,000.