The World Factbook (1982)/Nauru

by the Central Intelligence Agency

NAURU

(See reference map X)

LAND

21.2 km²; insignificant arable land, no urban areas, extensive phosphate mines

WATER

Limits of territorial waters (claimed): 12 nm (fishing 200 nm; exclusive economic zone 200 nm)

Coastline: 24 km

PEOPLE

Population: 9,000 (July 1982), average annual growth rate 1.7%

Nationality: noun—Nauruan(s); adjective—Nauruan

Ethnic divisions: 58% Nauruans, 26% other Pacific Islanders, 8% Chinese, 8% Europeans

Religion: Christian (two-thirds Protestant, one-third Catholic)

Language: Nauruan, a distinct Pacific Island tongue; English, the language of school instruction, spoken and understood by nearly all

Literacy: nearly universal

GOVERNMENT

Official name: Republic of Nauru

Type: republic; independent since January 1968

Capital: no capital city per se; government offices in Yaren District

Political subdivisions: 14 districts

Branches: president elected from and by Parliament for an unfixed term; popularly elected 18-member unicameral legislature, the Parliament; Cabinet to assist the President, four members, appointed by President from Parliament members

Government leader: President Hammer DEROBURT

Suffrage: universal adult

Elections: last held in December 1980

Political parties and leaders: governing faction, President DeRoburt; opposition Nauru Party, Lagumot Harris

Member of: no present plans to join UN; enjoys "special membership" in Commonwealth; South Pacific Commission, ESCAP, INTERPOL, ITU, UPU

ECONOMY

GNP: over $155.4 million (1977), $21,400 per capita

Agriculture: negligible; almost completely dependent on imports for food, water

Major industries: mining of phosphates, about 2 million tons per year

Electric power: 10,000 kW capacity (1981); 29 million kWh produced (1981), 4,144 kWh per capita

Exports: $50.4 million (f.o.b., 1977)

Imports: $32 million (c.i.f., 1977); 16% food, fuel

Major trade partners: exports—75% Australia and New Zealand; imports—Australia, UK, New Zealand, Japan

Monetary conversion rate: 1 Australian dollar=US$1.12 (1979)

Fiscal year: 1 July-30 June

COMMUNICATIONS

Railroads: none

Highways: about 27 km total; 21 km paved, 6 km improved earth

Inland waterways: none

Ports: 1 minor

Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft, one on order

Airfields: 1 with runways over 1,220-2,439 m

Telecommunications: adequate intraisland and international radiocommunications provided via Australian facilities; 1,500 telephones (20.8 per 100 popl.); 3,600 radio receivers, 1 AM, no FM or TV stations; 1 ground satellite station

DEFENSE FORCES

Military manpower: males 15-49, about 1,800; fit for military service, about 1,000; less than 100 reach military age (18) annually, 1978-82,

No formal defense structure and no regular armed forces