What was so important about the island of Nauru?

What was so important about the island of Nauru?

With only a 21 km2 (8.1 sq mi) area, Nauru is the third-smallest country in the world behind Vatican City and Monaco, making it the smallest republic as well as the smallest island nation. After World War I, Nauru became a League of Nations mandate administered by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Why did Nauru become poor?

Nauru’s economic dependence on phosphate places the country in a vulnerable state. The century-long implementation of phosphate mines has also harmed the country’s environment, citizen’s health, source of income and wealth distribution.

What was the tragic story of nation Nauru?

The history of Nauru has been a road paved with tears. In the 1800s European merchants brought alcohol and firearms to the island, leading to a ten year civil war during which one third of the population died. Then the Germans took over and Nauru was made part of Bismarck’s Empire in 1888.

Why did the Japanese invade the island of Nauru?

The Japanese hoped to exploit the island’s phosphate resources, and to build up their military defences in the area. They decided to deport the majority of Nauru’s indigenous population to the Truk islands, hundreds of miles away, where mortality was extremely high.

Who discovered Nauru island?

German protectorate In 1886, Germany was granted the island under the Anglo-German Declaration. The island was annexed by Germany in 1888 and incorporated into Germany’s New Guinea Protectorate. On 1 October 1888, the German gunboat SMS Eber landed 36 men on Nauru.

Why is Nauru the least visited country?

With less than 1,000 visitors per year (sometimes as low as 200), it is the world’s least visited country. Travel to Nauru by boat is nearly impossible because the island is surrounded by jagged coral reefs that have punctured holes in large ships in the past.

Did the island of Nauru sink?

But Nauru is sinking, drying out, and generally in peril due to the ever-accelerating effects of climate change. After the war, Australia took control of the country, and phosphate mining resumed as an Australian enterprise, before mining rights were transferred to Nauru when the nation became independent in 1968.

Who was killed in the battle over Nauru?

In April 1943, the Super Man crew participates in a bombing of the island of Nauru. Japanese Zero planes defend the island, pelting Super Man with gunfire, killing crewmate Harry Brooks, and wounding others. In the end, Super Man takes 594 bullet holes, but Louie survives.

What language is spoken in Nauru?

Nauruan
English
Nauru/Official languages

What is it like to live in Nauru?

Poverty: Nauru is officially a middle-upper-income nation, and previously, it was the wealthiest country per capita. However, a 2018 U.N. report showed that a quarter of Nauruans live in “basic need” poverty, too poor for the cost of food and access to necessities such as clean water, health care and education.

What happened to the island of Nauru?

Nauru was finally set free from the Japanese on 13 September 1945, when Captain Solda, the commander of all the Japanese troops on Nauru, surrendered the island to the Royal Australian Navy and Army.