# Library

ABOUT REFERENCES APPENDICES FAQs CONTACT

Australia-Oceania :: Nauru

- ## Introduction :: NAURU

- Background:
  The exact origins of the Nauruans are unclear since their language does not resemble any other in the Pacific region. Germany annexed the island in 1888. A German-British consortium began mining the island's phosphate deposits early in the 20th century. Australian forces occupied Nauru in World War I; it 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 independence in 1968 and joined the UN in 1999 as the world's smallest independent republic.

- ## Geography :: NAURU

- Location:
  Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands
  Geographic coordinates:
  0 32 S, 166 55 E
  Map references:
  Oceania
  Area:
  total: 21 sq km
  land: 21 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  country comparison to the world: 240
  Area - comparative:
  about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC
  Land boundaries:
  0 km
  Coastline:
  30 km
  Maritime claims:
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  contiguous zone: 24 nm
  exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
  Climate:
  tropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to February)
  Terrain:
  sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center
  Elevation extremes:
  lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
  highest point: unnamed elevation along plateau rim 61 m
  Natural resources:
  phosphates, fish
  Land use:
  agricultural land: 20%
  arable land 0%; permanent crops 20%; permanent pasture 0%
  forest: 0%
  other: 80% (2011 est.)
  Irrigated land:
  NA
  Natural hazards:
  periodic droughts
  Environment - current issues:
  limited natural freshwater resources, roof storage tanks collect rainwater but mostly dependent on a single, aging desalination plant; a century of intensive phosphate mining beginning in 1906 - mainly by a UK, Australia, and NZ consortium - left the central 90% of Nauru a wasteland and threatens limited remaining land resources
  Environment - international agreements:
  party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling
  signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
  Geography - note:
  world's smallest island country; situated just 53 km south of the Equator; Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia

- ## People and Society :: NAURU

- Nationality:
  noun: Nauruan(s)
  adjective: Nauruan
  Ethnic groups:
  Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8%
  Languages:
  Nauruan 93% (official, a distinct Pacific Island language), English 2% (widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposes), other 5% (includes I-Kiribati 2% and Chinese 2%)
  note: percentages represent main language spoken at home; Nauruan is spoken by 95% of the population, English by 66%, and other languages by 12% (2011 est.)
  Religions:
  Protestant 60.4% (includes Nauru Congregational 35.7%, Assembly of God 13%, Nauru Independent Church 9.5%, Baptist 1.5%, and Seventh Day Adventist .7%), Roman Catholic 33%, other 3.7%, none 1.8%, unspecified 1.1% (2011 est.)
  Population:
  9,540 (July 2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 225
  Age structure:
  0-14 years: 32.45% (male 1,360/female 1,736)
  15-24 years: 16.13% (male 785/female 754)
  25-54 years: 43.19% (male 2,059/female 2,061)
  55-64 years: 6.11% (male 231/female 352)
  65 years and over: 2.12% (male 78/female 124) (2015 est.)
  population pyramid:
  Median age:
  total: 25.7 years
  male: 26.1 years
  female: 25.3 years (2015 est.)
  Population growth rate:
  0.55% (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 154
  Birth rate:
  24.95 births/1,000 population (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 52
  Death rate:
  5.87 deaths/1,000 population (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 171
  Net migration rate:
  -13.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 218
  Urbanization:
  urban population: 100% of total population (2015)
  rate of urbanization: 0.19% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
  Sex ratio:
  at birth: 0.83 male(s)/female
  0-14 years: 0.78 male(s)/female
  15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
  25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female
  55-64 years: 0.66 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female
  total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2015 est.)
  Infant mortality rate:
  total: 8.07 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 10.34 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 6.17 deaths/1,000 live births (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 154
  Life expectancy at birth:
  total population: 66.75 years
  male: 62.64 years
  female: 70.19 years (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 170
  Total fertility rate:
  2.88 children born/woman (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 58
  Contraceptive prevalence rate:
  35.6% (2007)
  Health expenditures:
  6.3% of GDP (2013)
  country comparison to the world: 67
  Physicians density:
  0.71 physicians/1,000 population (2010)
  Drinking water source:
  improved:
  urban: 96.5% of population
  total: 96.5% of population
  unimproved:
  urban: 3.5% of population
  total: 3.5% of population (2015 est.)
  Sanitation facility access:
  improved:
  urban: 65.6% of population
  total: 65.6% of population
  unimproved:
  urban: 34.4% of population
  total: 34.4% of population (2015 est.)
  HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
  NA
  HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
  NA
  HIV/AIDS - deaths:
  NA
  Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
  45.1% (2014)
  country comparison to the world: 2
  Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
  4.8% (2007)
  country comparison to the world: 91
  Education expenditures:
  NA
  School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
  total: 9 years
  male: 9 years
  female: 10 years (2008)

- ## Government :: NAURU

- Country name:
  conventional long form: Republic of Nauru
  conventional short form: Nauru
  local long form: Republic of Nauru
  local short form: Nauru
  former: Pleasant Island
  Government type:
  republic
  Capital:
  no official capital; government offices in Yaren District
  time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
  Administrative divisions:
  14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe, Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren
  Independence:
  31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered UN trusteeship)
  National holiday:
  Independence Day, 31 January (1968)
  Constitution:
  effective 29 January 1968; amended 1968, 2009, 2014 (2015)
  Legal system:
  mixed legal system of common law based on the English model and customary law
  International law organization participation:
  has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
  Suffrage:
  20 years of age; universal and compulsory
  Executive branch:
  chief of state: President Baron WAQA (since 11 June 2013); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
  head of government: President Baron WAQA (since 11 June 2013)
  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of Parliament
  elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 3-year renewable term; election last held on 11 June 2013 (next to be held in 2016)
  election results: Baron WAQA reelected president on 11 June 2013; Parliament vote - Baron WAQA (independent) 13, Roland KUN (Nauru First) 5
  Legislative branch:
  description: unicameral parliament (19 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by majority vote; members serve 3-year terms)
  elections: last held on 8 June 2013 (next to be held in 2016)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 19
  Judicial branch:
  highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of a chief justice and 1 judge)
  judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the president to serve until age 65
  subordinate courts: District Court, Family Court
  Political parties and leaders:
  Democratic Party [Kennan ADEANG]
  Nauru First (Naoero Amo) Party
  Nauru Party (informal)
  note: loose multiparty system
  Political pressure groups and leaders:
  Woman Information and News Agency (women's issues)
  International organization participation:
  ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICCt, IFAD, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO
  Diplomatic representation in the US:
  chief of mission: Ambassador Marlene Inemwin MOSES (since 10 February 2006)
  chancery: 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400 D, New York, NY 10017
  telephone: [1] (212) 937-0074
  FAX: [1] (212) 937-0079
  consulate(s): Agana (Guam)
  Diplomatic representation from the US:
  the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Nauru
  Flag description:
  blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the center and a large white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the hoist side; blue stands for the Pacific Ocean, the star indicates the country's location in relation to the Equator (the yellow stripe) and the 12 points symbolize the 12 original tribes of Nauru
  National symbol(s):
  frigatebird, calophyllum flower; national colors: blue, yellow, white
  National anthem:
  name: "Nauru Bwiema" (Song of Nauru)
  lyrics/music: Margaret HENDRIE/Laurence Henry HICKS
  note: adopted 1968

- ## Economy :: NAURU

- Economy - overview:
  Revenues of this tiny island - a coral atoll with a land area of 21 square kilometers - traditionally have come from exports of phosphates. Few other resources exist, with most necessities being imported, mainly from Australia, its former occupier and later major source of support. Primary reserves of phosphates were exhausted and mining ceased in 2006, but mining of a deeper layer of "secondary phosphate" in the interior of the island began the following year. The secondary phosphate deposits may last another 30 years. Earnings from Nauru’s export of phosphate remains an important source of income. The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems. In anticipation of the exhaustion of Nauru's phosphate deposits, substantial amounts of phosphate income were invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition and provide for Nauru's economic future. Although revenue sources for government are limited, the opening of the Australian Regional Processing Center for asylum seekers since 2012 has sparked growth in the economy. Revenue derived from fishing licenses under the vessel day scheme has also boosted government income. Housing, hospitals, and other capital plant are deteriorating. The cost to Australia of keeping the government and economy afloat continues to climb. Few comprehensive statistics on the Nauru economy exist with estimates of Nauru's GDP varying widely.
  GDP (purchasing power parity):
  $150.8 million (2015 est.)
  $139.7 million (2014 est.)
  $127 million (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 224
  GDP (official exchange rate):
  $150.8 million (2015 est.)
  GDP - real growth rate:
  8% (2015 est.)
  10% (2014 est.)
  4.5% (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 10
  GDP - per capita (PPP):
  $14,800 (2015 est.)
  $13,700 (2014 est.)
  $12,500 (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 107
  GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
  agriculture: 6.1%
  industry: 33%
  services: 60.8% (2009 est.)
  Agriculture - products:
  coconuts
  Industries:
  phosphate mining, offshore banking, coconut products
  Industrial production growth rate:
  NA%
  Labor force:
  NA
  Labor force - by occupation:
  note: most of the labor force is employed in phosphate mining, public administration, education, and transportation
  Unemployment rate:
  23% (2011 est.)
  90% (2004 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 172
  Population below poverty line:
  NA%
  Household income or consumption by percentage share:
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%
  Budget:
  revenues: $57.8 million
  expenditures: $51.8 million (2010 est.)
  Fiscal year:
  1 July - 30 June
  Inflation rate (consumer prices):
  8% (2015 est.)
  5% (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 201
  Exports:
  $125 million (2013 est.)
  $110.3 million (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 192
  Exports - commodities:
  phosphates
  Imports:
  $143.1 million (2013 est.)
  $41.2 million (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 212
  Imports - commodities:
  food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery
  Debt - external:
  $33.3 million (2004 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 198
  Exchange rates:
  Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -
  1.1094 (2014 est.)
  1.0358 (2013 est.)
  0.97 (2012 est.)
  0.9695 (2011 est.)
  1.0902 (2010)

- ## Energy :: NAURU

- Electricity - production:
  25 million kWh (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 214
  Electricity - consumption:
  23.25 million kWh (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 213
  Electricity - exports:
  0 kWh (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 179
  Electricity - imports:
  0 kWh (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 184
  Electricity - installed generating capacity:
  6,000 kW (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 210
  Electricity - from fossil fuels:
  100% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 24
  Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
  0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 157
  Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
  0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 193
  Electricity - from other renewable sources:
  0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 209
  Crude oil - production:
  0 bbl/day (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 177
  Crude oil - exports:
  0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 171
  Crude oil - imports:
  0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 110
  Crude oil - proved reserves:
  0 bbl (1 January 2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 176
  Refined petroleum products - production:
  0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 120
  Refined petroleum products - consumption:
  1,000 bbl/day (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 200
  Refined petroleum products - exports:
  0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 208
  Refined petroleum products - imports:
  1,075 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 195
  Natural gas - production:
  0 cu m (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 113
  Natural gas - consumption:
  0 cu m (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 181
  Natural gas - exports:
  0 cu m (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 156
  Natural gas - imports:
  0 cu m (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 113
  Natural gas - proved reserves:
  0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 179
  Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
  168,700 Mt (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 197

- ## Communications :: NAURU

- Telephones - fixed lines:
  total subscriptions: 0
  subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: less than 1 (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 218
  Telephones - mobile cellular:
  total: 6,800
  subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 73 (2012)
  country comparison to the world: 214
  Telephone system:
  general assessment: adequate local and international radiotelephone communication provided via Australian facilities
  international: country code - 674; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
  Broadcast media:
  1 government-owned TV station broadcasting programs from New Zealand sent via satellite or on videotape; 1 government-owned radio station, broadcasting on AM and FM, utilizes Australian and British programs (2009)
  Radio broadcast stations:
  AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)
  Television broadcast stations:
  1 (1997)
  Internet country code:
  .nr

- ## Transportation :: NAURU

- Airports:
  1 (2013)
  country comparison to the world: 227
  Airports - with paved runways:
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2013)
  Roadways:
  total: 30 km
  paved: 24 km
  unpaved: 6 km (2002)
  country comparison to the world: 220
  Ports and terminals:
  major seaport(s): Nauru

- ## Military :: NAURU

- Military branches:
  no regular military forces (2012)
  Manpower available for military service:
  males age 16-49: 2,542 (2010 est.)
  Manpower fit for military service:
  males age 16-49: 1,823
  females age 16-49: 2,034 (2010 est.)
  Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
  male: 74
  female: 78 (2010 est.)
  Military - note:
  Nauru maintains no defense forces; under an informal agreement, defense is the responsibility of Australia

- ## Transnational Issues :: NAURU

- Disputes - international:
  none

GO TOP