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).

Politics

The 18-member Parliament is elected every three years. The Parliament elects a president from amongst its members, who appoints a Cabinet of five to six people. The President is both the head of state and head of government. There is a loose multiparty system; the two main parties are the Democratic Party and Nauru Party (informal).

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Between 1999 and 2003, a series of no-confidence votes and elections resulted in two people, René Harris and Bernard Dowiyogo, leading the country for alternating periods. Dowiyogo died in office on March 10, 2003 in Washington, DC after heart surgery. Ludwig Scotty was elected President on May 29, 2003; however, in August 2003 there was another no confidence vote. Harris regained support and was re-elected president.

Related Topics:
1999 - 2003 - René Harris - Bernard Dowiyogo - March 10 - Washington, DC - Ludwig Scotty - May 29

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On October 1, 2004, Scotty declared a state of emergency and dissolved parliament after it failed to pass a national budget.

Related Topics:
October 1 - 2004

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On June 1, 2005 Nauru severed diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China and re-established links with Taiwan (Republic of China), which had existed for 22 years prior to 2003.

Related Topics:
June 1 - 2005 - People's Republic of China - Taiwan (Republic of China)

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