Population: Nauruans 58%, other Pacific Islanders 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8%
Currency: Australian Dollar (AU-$)
Economy: Phosphate mining, Financial services, Coconut production
GDP per capita: 5000 US-$
Climate: Tropical, rainy season from November to February
Highest point: Culmination in the west of the island (61m)
Nauru, formerly known as Pleasant Island, is a tiny island 3000 km north-east of Australia and situated 42 km south of the equator. It is the world's smallest republic with a size of only 21 km² (8.1 sq mi).
Settled by Micronesian and Polynesian people, Nauru was annexed and claimed as a colony by the German Empire in the late 19th century. After World War I, Nauru became a League of Nations mandate administered by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. During World War II, Nauru was occupied by Japanese troops, who were bypassed by the Allied advance across the Pacific. After the war ended, the country entered into trusteeship again. Nauru gained its independence in 1968.
The Nauruans used to have the second highest per capita income in the world until recently because of their high-quality phosphate deposit. Meanwhile, the situation is somewhat different, as the phosphate reserves were almost exhausted in 2006, and are going to be completely used up in the next few years.
2. Avon 
3. Wellington 
4. Kiwi 
5. Auckland 
6. Mt Cook 
7. Queenstown 
8. Humpback Whale 
KIWI 
KAKAPO 
