世界各国

Nauru

Introduction to Nauru

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.

Government

Capital:

no official capital; government offices in Yaren District 

Independence:

31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered UN trusteeship) 

National holiday:

Independence Day, 31 January (1968) 

Economy

Economy overview:

Revenues of this tiny island have traditionally come from exports of phosphates, but reserves are now depleted. Few other resources exist with most necessities being imported, mainly from Australia, its former occupier and later major source of support. 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 have been invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition and provide for Nauru's economic future. As a result of heavy spending from the trust funds, the government faces virtual bankruptcy. To cut costs the government has called for a freeze on wages, a reduction of over-staffed public service departments, privatization of numerous government agencies, and closure of some overseas consulates. In recent years Nauru has encouraged the registration of offshore banks and corporations. In 2004 the deterioration in housing, hospitals, and other capital plant continued, and the cost to Australia of keeping the government and economy afloat has substantially mounted. Few comprehensive statistics on the Nauru economy exist, with estimates of Nauru's GDP varying widely. 

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $60 million (2001 est.) 

Agriculture products:

coconuts 

Industries:

phosphate mining, offshore banking, coconut products 

Transportation

Highways:

total: 30 km
paved: 24 km
unpaved: 6 km (1999 est.)

Ports and harbors:

Nauru

Airports:

1 (2003 est.)