PopulationAn estimated 11,000 people currently populate Nauru, 89 percent being native Nauruans. The remaining population includes groups from Australia, China, New Zealand, and other Pacific islands, mainly as a result from Nauru's phosphate industry. While 95 percent of the population speak Nauruan as a main language, 65 percent understand and speak English from direct Australian influences (Foster and Kiste, 2019).
|
GeographyLocated south of the Marshall Islands in Oceania lies Nauru, the world's third-smallest country and single smallest island nation. The area of Nauru is 21 square kilometers, equivalent to 0.1 times the size of Washington D.C. Driving around the perimeter of Nauru would take approximately 25 minutes. Nauru's tropical climate fosters a fertile belt along the outskirts of the island, which surround the inner phosphate-rich plateaus. Four-fifths of the island is now uninhabitable due to phosphate depletion by colonial Australian forces.
EconomyNauru's economy has been largely dominated by colonial Australian forces, which boosted its phosphate industry in the early 19th century. Nauru's highly valued phosphate resources provided nearly all of the country's employment until phosphate deposits began depleting in the 20th century. Nauru's dying phosphate industry, which once generated enormous wealth for the nation, has left Nauru's economy largely dependent on foreign aid. Additional revenue is gained from agriculture, manufacturing and fishing. Australia functions as Nauru's economic backbone as the main contributor of foreign aid, trade, and other resources. Nauru shares the same monetary system as Australia.
|