Nauru

Abstract

Nauru is a phosphate-rich island in the South Pacific located 42 km south of the Equator (DFAT 2008). It is 21 km² in area and is ‘one of the world’s smallest independent, democratic states’ (DFAT 2008). Nauru’s population is estimated to be 13,800 in 2008 with ethic groups being Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islanders 26%; Chinese, 8% and Europeans, 8%. Median age is 21 years and life expectancy is 63.8 years (CIA 2008). Most people live on the coast and the official language is Nauruan which does not resemble any other language in the Pacific. English is generally understood on the island. The small nation has no official capital city (BBCNews 2008; DFAT 2008; CIA 2008; NTDED 2007).

For many years Nauru earned export income from phosphate mining but operations have significantly declined as stocks have depleted which has left the government in major debt. Consequently, the economy is suffering and public services are deteriorating. The estimated unemployment rate in 2004 was 90%. Current industries include offshore banking, a developing tourism industry and new reserves of phosphates are being explored for future mining (CIA 2008; DFAT 2008; NTDED 2007). Main occupations are phosphate mining, public administration, transport and education (CIA 2008). Nauru’s parliament has a single chamber with eighteen seats and is popularly elected. The head of state is the President (CIA 2008).