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Hokkaido is HUGE! When the world's third smallest country compares its size...the results are astounding!
Republicof Nauru National Tourism Organization (
@nauru_japan) February 28, 2022
This tweet received about 20,000 responses,
"Isn't that smaller than Lake Shikotsu?"
Nauru is not small, Hokaido is too big."
"It's the size of your heart that compares it to Hokkaido. ‼︎"
Why did he want to compare it to Hokkaido?
The difference in size of the two islands, as well as the fact that the country's official Twitter page compared them to Hokkaido, has been the source of some surprise.
What kind of country is the Republic of Nauru?
The Republic of Nauru has a population of about 10,000. It is a small island nation floating in the Pacific Ocean, located halfway between Auckland, New Zealand and Tokyo.
With a land area of 21.1 km2, it is the third smallest country in the world. Compared to the area of Hokkaido (83,450 km²), it is a whopping 1/3,955th!
I looked up the same size as the Republic of Nauru in Hokkaido, and it is roughly the same as the Atsubetsu ward of Sapporo (24.38 km²). Also, compared to lakes in Hokkaido, it is slightly larger than Lake Mashu (19.22 km²) and smaller than Lake Atsugishi (31.8 km²).
We asked a person in charge of social networking in the Republic of Nauru why it was compared to Hokkaido, a topic that is of interest to everyone.
Republic of Nauru representative: Hokkaido is large, so we thought that the small size of the Republic of Nauru would stand out.
--I looked at the website of the Republic of Nauru, and it says that the area of the Republic of Nauru is 22 km². Where else does it say 21.1 km²?
Republic of Nauru representative: 21.1 km², please.
-- By the way, have you ever been to Hokkaido?
Republic of Nauru representative: No, it's a secret.
-- Please tell us about the sights and recommended places in the Republic of Nauru.
Republic of Nauru staff member: The lush green Buada Lagoon (Lake Buada).
I am wondering if the person in charge has visited the land of Hokkaido... The recommended spot, Buada Lagoon, is very nice. It looks like a relaxing and peaceful place to forget about time.
It seems to be recommended to rent a bicycle and spend 5 to 6 hours to go around the island and do some fishing as a sightseeing style. The orange sunset from along the coast will be so beautiful that you will be impressed!
The small, remote Republic of Nauru's tweets made me feel closer to this foreign country, which has a completely different climate and culture from that of Hokkaido. The Republic of Nauru is definitely a country I would like to visit again!
(Image courtesy of the Japan Office of the Republic of Nauru National Tourism Organization)