Nauru is the world’s smallest island republic.
The Pacific country has a land area of about 21 square kilometres and occupies a single raised coral island northeast of Australia. Unlike an archipelagic state such as Tuvalu, Nauru’s national territory is concentrated on one main island.
Nauru became independent in 1968 after periods of German, Australian, British, and New Zealand administration. It has no official capital city; government offices are concentrated in the Yaren District, which is commonly described as the de facto capital.
Phosphate mining brought considerable wealth during the twentieth century but also damaged much of the island’s interior. The coastal belt contains most homes, services, and transport infrastructure. Nauru’s small size, limited freshwater, and remote location distinguish it from other Pacific island republics, even though several neighbouring states are also among the world’s smallest countries.