Nauru

The exact origins of the Nauruans are unclear, since their language does not resemble any other in the Pacific. The island was annexed by Germany in 1888 and its phosphate deposits began to be mined early in the 20th century by a German-British consortium. Nauru was occupied by Australian forces in World War I and subsequently became a League of Nations mandate. After the Second World War - and a brutal occupation by Japan - Nauru became a UN trust territory. It achieved its independence in 1968 and joined the UN in 1999 as the world's smallest independent republic.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 13,528 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Nauruan(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Nauruan

Official Language(s): Nauruan

Major Languages Spoken: English, Nauruan

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Nauru

Country Name (short form): Nauru

Country Name (local long form): Republic of Nauru

Country Name (local short form): Nauru

Name of Capital: no official capital; governmen

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Nauru: Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Solomon Islands

Land Area: 21 sq km

Comparative Area: about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Coastline: 30 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 31 January (1968)

International Phone Code: 674

Currency Code: Australian dollar (AUD)

Internet Country Code: .nr

US Embassy Location: the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Nauru

US Embassy Mailing Address: the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Nauru