Nauru

Nauru is a small island country and microstate in Micronesia, in the central Pacific Ocean.

Nauru is a small island country and microstate in Micronesia, in the central Pacific Ocean. It is the world’s smallest republic and the third-smallest country by area, with government offices based in the Yaren district. Nauru became independent in 1968 and is a member of the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Geography

Nauru is a small coral island south of the equator in Micronesia, surrounded by a reef and lacking a natural harbour. Its interior was heavily affected by phosphate extraction, leaving a narrow coastal zone as the main area of settlement.

History

The island was inhabited by Micronesian and Polynesian peoples long before European contact. It was annexed by Germany in 1888, administered under Australian control after World War I, occupied by Japan during World War II, and became independent in 1968.

Government and politics

Nauru is a parliamentary republic with a unicameral parliament. The president serves as both head of state and head of government, and David Adeang is listed by current reference sources as president.

Economy

Nauru’s economy was once based on phosphate mining, but depletion of reserves forced diversification efforts. Modern reference sources describe ongoing dependence on services, fisheries, and external support.

Demographics and culture

Major reference sources describe the population as small, with Nauruan and English in common use. The population is predominantly indigenous Nauruan, and Christianity is the main religion reported by encyclopedic sources.