The History of Nauru: A Small Island Nation in Oceania
Nauru is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, part of the continent of Oceania. It is the smallest republic in the world, both in terms of population and land area. Although it is a tiny nation, its history is rich and varied.
Nauru was first settled by Micronesians and Polynesians around 3,000 years ago. The island was a major source of phosphate for many years, and it was this resource that first attracted European traders in the 19th century. In 1888, Nauru was annexed by Germany as part of the Marshall Islands, and became a League of Nations mandate in 1919.
After World War II, Nauru became a United Nations trust territory under the control of Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In 1968, Nauru declared independence and became the world’s smallest republic.
Since then, Nauru has struggled to make ends meet. The phosphate reserves on the island were depleted in the early 2000s, leaving the country without a major source of income. The government has since had to rely on foreign aid and international loans to survive. In 2006, Nauru was declared the world’s fattest nation, with over 90% of the population being overweight or obese.
In recent years, Nauru has become a major destination for refugees seeking asylum in Australia. The country has been criticised for its treatment of refugees, as well as its lack of human rights and civil liberties. Despite this, Nauru remains an important part of the Pacific region, and its history is one of resilience and determination.