Nauru's phosphate deposits began to be mined early in the 20th century by a German-British consortium; the island was occupied by Australian forces in World War I. Nauru achieved independence in 1968 and joined the UN in 1999. Nauru is the world's smallest independent republic.

GEOGRAPHY
Nauru is a small oval-shaped island in the western Pacific Ocean, located just 42 kilometers (26 mi.) south of the Equator. It is one of three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean--the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia--though its phosphate reserves are nearly depleted. Phosphate mining in the central plateau has left a barren terrain of jagged coral pinnacles, up to 15 meters (49 ft.) high. A century of mining has stripped and devastated four-fifths of the total land area.

PEOPLE
Nauruans descended from Polynesian and Micronesian seafarers. Grouped in clans or tribes, early Nauruans traced their descent on the female side. They believed in a female deity, Eijebong, and a spirit land, also an island, called Buitani. Two of the 12 original tribal groups became extinct during the 20th century.

HISTORY
Nauru had little contact with Europeans until whaling ships and other traders began to visit in the 1830s. The introduction of firearms and alcohol destroyed the peaceful coexistence of the 12 tribes living on the island. A 10-year internal war began in 1878 and resulted in a reduction of the population from 1,400 (1843) to around 900 (1888).

ECONOMY
The economy depends almost entirely on the country's declining phosphate deposits. These were depleted in 2000 on a large-scale commercial basis; however, small-scale mining is still occurring. The government-owned Nauru Phosphate Corporation (NPC) controls the mining industry.

U.S.-NAURU RELATIONS
The United States has no consular or diplomatic offices in Nauru. Officers of the American Embassy in Suva, Fiji, are concurrently accredited to Nauru and make periodic visits.

While resisting U.S. and other international pressure with regards to passport sales and shell banks, Nauru is generally supportive of U.S. positions at the United Nations and other international fora.

Trade between the United States and Nauru is limited due to the latter's small size and economic problems. In 2001, U.S. exports to Nauru totaled $4.2 million while U.S. imports from Nauru totaled $0.1 million.

Full country name: Republic of Nauru
Area: 21 sq km (8 sq mi)
Population: 11,300
Capital city: no capital city; Yaren is the main administrative district
People: Melanesian, Polynesian, Pacific Islanders, Asians, Europeans
Religion: Christian, mostly Nauruan Protestant Church
Government: Westminster-style democracy
President: Derog Gioura (acting)
GDP: US$100 million
GNP per head: US$7270
Major industries: Mining
Major trading partners: Australia & New Zealand