Nauru

1900 (July 1, Sunday) – Nauru is annexed by the German Empire as part of German New Guinea

1914 (August 6, Thursday) – Australian forces occupy Nauru during World War I

1968 (January 31, Wednesday) – Nauru gains independence from Australia

1970s (Late) – Phosphate mining becomes the central economic activity of the country, bringing considerable wealth

1993 (November 16, Tuesday) – Nauru experiences a major economic decline as phosphate reserves begin to diminish

2001 (August 26, Sunday) – Nauru becomes a detention center for refugees under Australia’s Pacific Solution policy

2005 (December 8, Thursday) – Cyclone Katrina hits, affecting nearby regions, but Nauru remains largely unscathed

2012 (February 20, Monday) – Nauru agrees to host refugees from Australia’s offshore processing system

2015 (July 15, Wednesday) – Nauru cuts ties with Taiwan in favor of recognizing the People’s Republic of China

2018 (July 23, Monday) – Severe drought causes water shortages in Nauru, affecting agriculture and drinking water

2020 (March 11, Wednesday) – COVID-19 pandemic affects the country’s economy and healthcare system

2021 (April 28, Wednesday) – Cyclone Harold causes damages to infrastructure in the Pacific, but Nauru remains relatively unaffected

2022 (February 22, Tuesday) – Flooding from heavy rains in the Pacific region affects Nauru’s infrastructure

Continent: Oceania
Location: Micronesia, Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia
Capital: No official capital, government offices located in Yaren
Language: Nauruan (official), English (widely spoken)
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Population: ~12,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Nauru Time (NRT, UTC+12)

Borders: Nauru is an island nation with no land borders
Landscape: Coral atoll, flat terrain with phosphate mining pits
Major Rivers: None (island nation)
Major Mountains: None (island is mostly flat)
Deserts: No desert, but the island has limited vegetation due to mining
Lakes: Buada Lagoon
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Command Ridge (71 m / 233 ft)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (0 m)
Climate: Tropical climate with a wet season from November to February and a dry season from May to October
Geological Features: Coral limestone, phosphate rock deposits, and coastal cliffs

Ethnic Groups: Nauruan (predominantly), with smaller communities of Chinese, Australian, and other Pacific Islanders
Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholic, Protestant, and other Christian denominations)
Urban Population: ~100% (the entire population lives in urban areas)
Aging Population: ~5% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Phosphate mining, island lifestyle, indigenous Nauruan culture
Cuisine: Fish, coconut, breadfruit, yam, and Nauruan-style stews
Arts: Traditional crafts, weaving, and music, though modern influences are also prominent
Sports: Australian rules football, basketball, soccer, weightlifting, and volleyball

Economy Type: Small economy, heavily dependent on phosphate mining
GDP: Approx. $200 million USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Phosphate mining, fisheries, and government services
Key Exports: Phosphate, fish
Unemployment Rate: ~23% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Phosphate mining areas, small-scale fishing industries

Government Type: Unitary parliamentary republic
Head of State: President Lionel Aingimea (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President Lionel Aingimea (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral Parliament
Constitution: In effect since 1968, with amendments

Buada Lagoon: Scenic lagoon with a small freshwater lake surrounded by lush vegetation
Anibare Bay: Known for its white sandy beaches and clear waters
Nauru National Museum: Features artifacts and history of the island’s indigenous culture
Nauru Independence Day celebrations: Cultural events celebrating independence on January 31