Nauru was first inhabited by Micronesians Polynesians at least 3,000 years ago. There were traditionally 12 clans/ tribes on Nauru, which are represented in the 12-pointed star on the country's flag. Traditionally, Nauruans traced their descent matrilineally. The name “Nauru” may derive from the Nauruan word Anáoero, which means “I go to the beach
