<p><img src="images/nauruflag.png" alt="" width="138" height="69" /></p>
<p>Nauru formerly known as the Pleasant Island is located in the Central Pacific. The Micronesian island country is the smallest state in the South Pacific. The country has a population of 9,378 people, with a land mass of 21 square kilometers. Nauru lies on latitude and longitude 0 degrees 31’ 59” S / 166 degrees 55’ 0” E.</p>
<p>The island of Nauru is a phosphate rock island, which can no longer viable for extraction. Phosphate was found in 1900 by Albert Fuller Ellis. Nauru’s official currency is the Australian dollar. Nauru experiences hot and humid climates all year round. The island is only vulnerable to monsoons from November to February.</p>
<p>Nauruan is the official language, with English is also spoken. Main religions are Christianity and Baha’i. Nauru has literacy rate of 96%. The people of Nauru are known to be the most obese people in the world. Popular sports played in Nauru are: Australian rules football, weightlifting, volleyball, netball, fishing, and tennis.</p>
<p><strong><em>HISTORY</em></strong></p>
<p>The island country was first settled by Micronesian and Polynesian people some 3000 year ago. Nauru traditionally had 12 clans, represented on its flag. The island was first discovered in the 18<sup>th</sup> century by a British sea captain.</p>
<p>Nauru was a League of Nations mandate after World War I, administered by New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. In 1968, Nauru gained independence.</p>
<p>                       <img src="images/culturenauru.jpg" alt="" width="330" height="220" />       <img src="images/Youngnauruanpeoplemen.jpg" alt="" width="247" height="350" /></p>
<p><strong><em>GEOGRAPHY</em></strong></p>
<p>The oval shaped island lies 42 kilometers south of the equator. Due to coral reefs surrounding the island, it prevents big ships to enter through. The highest point in Nauru is 71 meters above sea level. There is very limited fresh water on Nauru.</p>
<p>                                                                                <img src="images/Nauru_satellite.jpg" alt="" width="275" height="327" /></p>
<p><strong><em>ECONOMY</em></strong></p>
<p>There is very high unemployment rate in Nauru, amounting up to 90%. The government employs 95% of those employed. The Nauru detention centre is significant source of income for the country.</p>
<p>                         <img src="images/detentioncenter.jpg" alt="" width="359" height="202" />      <img src="images/detentioncentrenauru.jpg" alt="" width="353" height="205" /></p>