Nauru

The Republic of Nauru (pronounced /{{IPA|næ?u?.?u?}}/), formerly known as Pleasant Island, is an island republic in the South Pacific Ocean. It is one of the world's smallest independent countries both in terms of population and land area and the smallest independent republic in both terms. It is also the smallest non-European country (in terms of land area).

History

Nauru was first settled by Polynesian and Melanesian settlers. The first European to arrive was Captain John Fearn in 1798, but Nauru continued as an independent island society, reigned by a king (the most widely known being King Auweyida), until it was annexed by Germany in 1888 to German New Guinea. Mining of its extensive phosphate reserves began early in the 20th century.

Related Topics:
Polynesia - Melanesia - 1798 - Auweyida - Germany - 1888 - German New Guinea - 20th century

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Following World War I, Nauru became a League of Nations Mandate territory in 1920, administered by Australia. In 1947, a trusteeship was approved by the United Nations. Nauru achieved independence in 1968. The founding president was Hammer DeRoburt. Nauru is a special member of the Commonwealth and joined the United Nations as a member state in 1999.

Related Topics:
World War I - League of Nations - 1920 - 1947 - United Nations - 1968 - Hammer DeRoburt - The Commonwealth - 1999

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In 2001, a ship carrying refugees from various countries (including Afghanistan) and seeking to dock in Australia was diverted to Nauru as part of the Pacific Solution. The refugees were housed in a detention center in Nauru. As of 2005, all women and children have been granted asylum in Australia. Only 32 men remain.

Related Topics:
2001 - Afghanistan - Australia - Pacific Solution - 2005

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