Nauru
Nauru - the smallest island
The Republic of Nauru is located in the central and western Pacific
Ocean, 60 kilometers south of the equator. Covering an area of 21.1
square kilometers, Nauru is the world's smallest island nation, with
a population of only 12,000, 58% of whom are Nauru. Residents are
Christian, with Nauru and English spoken. The currency is the
Australian dollar and the capital is Yaren.
National Flag
Nauru’s flag is blue with a yellow strip across in the center. Blue
represents the sky and the sea, and the yellow stripe symbolizes the
equator. A 12 pointed white star symbolizes Nauru’s 12 tribes.
History
When, in 1798, the British ship "Hunter" arrived, Naura was already
inhabited by an indigenous population. In 1888 the island was
incorporated into the German Marshall Islands protectorate, and in
1920 Nauru was placed by the League of Nations under the control of
the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, who co-managed it,
with Australia representing the three countries. From 1942 to 1945
Naura was occupied by Japan, but in 1947 it became a United Nations
trust territory, still under the control of Australia, New Zealand,
and Britain. On 51 January 1968, it gained independence.
Economy and Cultural Customs
Nauru's main source of income is phosphate, which it exports to
Australia and New Zealand. The main agricultural product is coconut,
and the country is almost totally dependent on imports for food and
drinking water.
Nauru has introduced free compulsory education, and the costs of
higher education are provided by the government.
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