Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, Nauru is a small island country with a population of around 11,000 people. It is the smallest republic in the world and one of the least visited countries, with fewer than 200 tourists annually. Nauru was originally known as "Pleasant Island," but the name was changed in 1968 when the country gained independence from Australia. Despite its name, the island has a troubled history due to its phosphate mining industry, which has had a significant impact on the environment. In fact, the island was once covered in dense vegetation, but most of the trees have been cut down for exporting phosphate.
Nauru National Flag
Despite its small size, Nauru has a few interesting quirks. For instance, it is the only country in the world without an official capital city. It is also home to the highest obesity rate in the world, with over 90% of the population classified as obese. Nauru is located just south of the equator and has a tropical climate. The official language of the country is Nauruan, a distinct Micronesian language, but English is also widely spoken. The currency used in Nauru is the Australian dollar.