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Nauru is the world’s smallest independent republic and island nation without a capital. It was settled by Micronesians and Polynesians 3,000 years ago and had twelve tribes. Germany annexed the island in 1888, and phosphate reserves were discovered in 1900. Nauru became self-governing in 1966 but has suffered economic hardship due to the depletion of phosphate reserves. The country is heavily dependent on financial aid from Australia and hosts a detention center for asylum seekers. The population is mostly indigenous, and the majority religion is Christianity. Obesity is widespread, leading to health problems and a shortened life expectancy.
The Republic of Nauru is an island nation in Micronesia. At 21 square kilometers (8.1 sq mi), it is the smallest island nation and smallest independent republic in the world. It is also the only republican state in the world without a capital.
The island was first settled by Micronesians and Polynesians at least 3,000 years ago. There were traditionally twelve tribes on the island, referred to in the 12-pointed star on the country’s current flag. The first European to visit Nauru was Captain John Fearn, a whaler, in 1798. Over the next few years, European deserters and criminals came to live on the island, and Nauru’s residents began trading native foods for firearms and liquor. These new imports aggravated a tribal war that broke out in 1878 and raged for ten years, reducing the population by about a third.
The Nauruan Tribal War ended in 1888 when Germany annexed the island and banned firearms and alcohol. The island was established as part of the German protectorate of the Marshall Islands and the king of Naurua, Aweida, was allowed to retain his authority. In the same year Christian missionaries arrived on the island.
New Zealand prospector Albert Ellis discovered phosphate reserves in the area in 1900, and the Pacific Phosphate Company entered into an agreement with Germany that allowed the company to mine and export phosphate. Germany lost the territory in World War I and the island became a mandate territory administered by the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The three countries formed the British Phosphate Commission (BPC), which took control of phosphate mining, in 1919.
During World War II, Nauru was occupied by the Japanese, who deported 1,200 Nauru residents to work in the Chuuk Islands. It was liberated by Australian forces in 1945 after three years of occupation. After the Second World War, the United Nations designated the island as a trusteeship and the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand again shared administrative rights and duties.
Nauru became self-governing in 1966 and gained independence following a two-year constitutional convention. Ownership of the phosphate deposits was transferred to the nationally owned Nauru Phosphate Corporation (NPC) in 1970. The depletion of phosphate reserves has led to economic and political strife. Between 1989 and 2003, the country had 17 changes of administration.
Although Nauru had the highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in the world in the early 1980s, it now suffers from severe economic hardship. The national bank is insolvent and the unemployment rate is 90%. It is now heavily dependent on financial aid from the Australian government. In return, Nauru hosts a detention center for those seeking asylum in Australia.
Nauru’s population is mostly indigenous, with 58% Native Nauru and 26% Other Pacific Islander. Chinese and Europeans each make up eight percent of Nauru’s population. The majority religion is Christianity and the Baha’is are a significant religious minority. The high standard of living enjoyed in the region in the 1970s and early 1980s has sadly contributed to obesity; 90% of adults are overweight. This has led to widespread health problems, notable type II diabetes, and a shortened life expectancy.
