Travel to the island of Nauru. Journey to the island of Nauru Dangerous plants and animals
Nauru is famous in the world mainly due to its three features. It is the smallest island state on our planet, the smallest independent republic and the smallest state outside of Europe.
To this exclusivity of Nauru, it is usually added that there is no official capital in this state at all. This is true. Symbolically, this role is played by the Yaren district, where government offices are located, but the Aivo (Aiue) district looks more respectable, there are two hotels, a small boulevard, Chinatown, piers and a canal leading to them: in other places it is difficult to approach the coast because of the ring coral reefs. And channels are dug in them - narrow, for fishing boats.
History
Despite its more than modest size, Nauru has a very solid history in terms of time. This cone-shaped atoll, volcanic in origin and overgrown with coral, is believed to have been inhabited by the "peoples of the sea" about 3,000 years ago. As most ethnologists believe, they were newcomers from the Bismarck Islands, the children of a single ethnic group of Oceania in antiquity, before the isolation of the ethnic groups of Melanesians, Micronesians and Polynesians within it. For Europe, the island was discovered in 1798 by the Englishman John Fearn, who called it Pleasant: this is how the island was called for almost 90 years. The origin of the name Nauru is vague. Some linguists derive it from the phrase "I'm going ashore" in the Nauran language, others consider this version unlikely. In the 19th century white people began to settle on the island, mostly runaway convicts and sailors who arbitrarily left whaling ships. Their dashing manners and customs contributed to the fact that drunkenness, theft and venereal diseases appeared on Nauru. Then small merchants came, also not to say very cultured people. Fights, shootings have become commonplace in Nauru.
Finally, in 1888, the island was annexed by the Germans, who incorporated it into a protectorate. Missionaries from Germany converted the natives to Christianity, and that was the end of restoring order on the island, effectively handing over the reins of government to the Australians. And those in 1914, during the First World War, completely captured the island. In 1923, it acquired the status of a mandated territory of the League of Nations, while Australia received all the rights of administration, although it formally disposed of everything here on an equal footing with Great Britain and New Zealand. During World War II, from August 25, 1942 to September 13, 1945, Nauru was occupied by Japan. In 1947 the old order, now under a UN mandate, was restored. Little by little, a movement for independence began to take shape on the island, and in 1968 the desired goal was achieved. At the same time, the Republic of Nauru became a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations, and later other international organizations.
Nauruans live mainly along the coastline in a strip 100-300 m wide and around Lake Buada. The water in it is a little brackish: the lake comes from a lagoon inside a coral reef, but there are no rivers on the island, the only source of fresh water is rain, and therefore it is considered very good to live near this lake, especially since it also has hanos fish. The natural world of Nauru cannot be called rich and diverse, but also meager - it is the same as it was created by geographical and climatic conditions that are far from favorable for atolls in general, as well as newcomers from the continent. Of the trees here, the coconut palm predominates. There are also pandanus, several types of ficuses and shrubs. The soil is covered with various types of creeping vascular plants. Near Lake Buada there are cherry, almond and mango groves, hibiscus is found. Mammals are represented by cats, dogs, pigs and rodents brought by white settlers, from whom the islanders also received chickens. There are six types of birds on Naru. Reptiles are represented only by lizards.
The coral island of Nauru, on which the miniature state of the same name is located, is located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, about 42 km south of the equator line, and belongs to Oceania. The nearest state-owned island, Banaba (Ogien), is 288 km to the east. To Australia - 4505 km to the northeast, to New Guinea - 1500 km to the west.
Approximately four-fifths of the island's area is occupied by the Topside Plateau, from 40 to 60 m above sea level, which for some time became a cornucopia for the economy of Nauru and a curse for its nature.
Once this plateau was completely covered with trees and shrubs. At the beginning of the XX century. a German-British consortium began to mine phosphates here. It was a highly profitable business, and no one thought that nature would suffer - neither the Nauruans themselves, nor the entrepreneurs: it seemed to them that the “golden age” that had come would never end. GDP per capita in Nauru in 1986 was $20,000. In the late 1980s, when market prices for phosphate dropped sharply, a recession set in. To date, phosphate reserves remain for several years. Limestone pits, deformed by erosion, gape at the quarry sites, petrified cliffs and dumps pile up above them. Language clichés like "lunar landscape" sound like sarcasm here. Clouds of white dust rise from the pits, settling on palm trees. And yet, about 65% of the soil cover has been restored thanks to the hardiness of vascular plants. The period of financial prosperity also had unexpected social consequences for Nauru. Mostly Chinese, immigrants from Tuvalu and Kiribati worked in the quarries, and Nauruans have forgotten how to work, local officials complain, which is why new jobs are not being created. This, of course, is cunning: officials simply do not know what to do with these problems, moreover, while the reserves of money made in the "fat" years, the inhabitants of the island have not yet dried up. Perhaps only the fishermen are working at full strength. Some are grown on small plantations. The main part of food, clean fresh water, fuel, building materials and even land is imported mainly from Australia.
When the mines began to close on Nauru, the government, consisting of four people, each of whom is responsible for several areas, launched a well-known scheme that works in other small states of Oceania: offshore and no control over financial transactions. This project put Nauru on the "black list" of many international credit organizations, on suspicion of facilitating money laundering by various mafias, which is not without reason. Nevertheless, financial services in Nauru are still available and in demand. Although the offshore office is located in ... a small hut, it has about 200 registered banks from different countries. Income is also generated by the sale of Nauru citizenship, the issuance of stamps and commemorative coins.
As for tourism in Nauru, to tell the truth, only extreme lovers who are ready for everyday hardships get here. The beaches on Nauru nominally exist, but it’s impossible to sit comfortably on their uneven surface dotted with sharp fragments of corals and sea urchins, they are not equipped with amenities, besides, you can get into a strong current near the coast, and the depth here begins abruptly and close to the edge of the coast. The only exception is, perhaps, the Anibare beach, and even then with reservations. It's the same story with golf courses. They exist, but most of them resemble abandoned wastelands. And pools in hotels are a relative concept, they do not always have water, simply because it is not enough. However, divers who collect in the register of their personal exploits different places where you can hunt exotic fish, admire the underwater life of the ocean, coral reefs and sunken ships, look at the island quite regularly. They enjoy the adventure: 100 meters from the shore, the depth exceeds 1000 meters. An additional adrenaline rush is guaranteed: sharks, sea snakes and poisonous sea creatures are unceremoniously hosting here. You have to constantly be on the alert, and dive under water only in a special wetsuit with a high degree of protection.
general information
State in Oceania.Form of government: parliamentary republic.
Administrative division: 14 districts.
Administrative center: Yaren District (Denigomodu).
Languages: English, Nauran.
Ethnic composition: Nauru people - 73.4%, other Polynesians - 10%, Chinese - 8%, Europeans - 8%.
Religions: Christianity (60.5% - Protestantism of various denominations, about 35.2% - Catholicism), about 5% of the inhabitants profess Buddhism and Taoism, 2% - Bahai. A small group of Nauruans adhere to traditional beliefs, worshiping the goddess Eijebong and the island spirit Buitani.
Currency unit: Australian dollar.
Lake : Buada.
Nearest airport: Nauru (international), flights to Brisbane (Australia) once a week.
Numbers
Area: 21.3 km2.Population: 10,084 (2011).
Population density: 473.4 people / km 2.
Area of Exclusive Economic Coastal Zone (EEZ): 308,480 km2, of which 570 km2 is in territorial waters.
highest point: Command Ridge (Janor), according to various sources - from 61 to 71 m.
coastline length: 18 km.
Climate and weather
Equatorial monsoon.Average annual temperature: approx. +27.5°C.
Average annual rainfall: 2060 mm, in especially rainy years that occur periodically - up to 4500 mm.
Rainy season: November to February.
Economy
In the recent past - intensive mining of phosphates.Fishing.
Agriculture: cultivation of coconuts, yams, sweet potatoes, bananas, pineapples, papayas, mangoes.
Services sector: financial services, chartering of sea vessels, trade in fishing licenses in the Exclusive Economic Zone, tourism.
Attractions
■ Retractable consoles (cantilevers, as they are called here) at the piers for loading phosphate onto ships.■ The ruins of the former presidential palace, burned to the ground in 2001, with impressive ocean views.
■ Complex of Houses of Parliament, administration offices and police station.
■ Center for Arts and Crafts at the National Tourism Office (a small collection of ancient stone tools, utensils and decorative items from local craftsmen, a selection of historical photographs).
■ Command Ridge Hill - "Command Height" - where there was a Japanese military post in the 1940s. The remains of a bunker and guns, a view of the entire island and the ocean.
■ Caves and a small underground lake Mokua-Bel.
Curious facts
■ In the Nauranian myths, unlike the myths of other peoples of Oceania, there is no mention of the resettlement of people from somewhere far away, on the contrary, the story is cultivated that they all came from two stones on the island.■ The berths of Aivo are known for their extremely deep water. Anchor here must be thrown to a depth of about 45 m.
■ Pre-colonial traditional Nauranian society consisted of 12 tribes. There was no supreme leader. The German reference book "Colonial Lexicon" reports that all the people of Nauru were divided into six categories. The first four had privileges, in particular, they could own land (with different degrees of this right - from maximum to minimum), two more did not have such a right at all. In other words, this society was essentially a class society. A person's belonging to one class or another depended on the status of the mother. Daughters who were born before the birth of the first boy in the family, and this boy himself, inherited maternal status. Children born after the first son, regardless of their gender, were assigned to the lower class of society.
■ The fattest people in the world are citizens of Nauru. In terms of BMI (body mass index), its average value here is 34-35, while the optimal BMI is considered to be 18.5-24.9. About 90% of the inhabitants of the island are overweight, and more than a third are diabetic. Let these facts serve as a lesson to all fast food lovers: Nauruans love it, preferring it to all other types of food.
■ In December 2009, the Republic of Nauru recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, following Russia, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Later, the Republics of Vanuatu and Tuvalu joined them, but then they withdrew their decisions from international organizations.
■ A 53-story office skyscraper in Melbourne was purchased with proceeds from the sale of Nauru's phosphates, but was already sold in 2004 to pay off some of the government's debts.
■ Nauru hosts camps for illegal refugees from Asian countries, most of them from Indonesia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. These are very poor people who are able to pay for a trip across the ocean only on some rusty “trough”. If such ships do not sink, then the Australian Coast Guard does not let them into the country's territorial waters. The unfortunate wanderers settle either in Nauru or in Papua New Guinea, with which Australia has relevant agreements, and according to them, one of the refugees could theoretically be granted the right to enter Australia. Currently, about 800 people live in camps in Nauru, dreaming of the status of a legal migrant. Their fate is unclear, and from time to time they rebel, demanding immediate dispatch to a brighter future. The authorities of Nauru are not entitled and unable to guarantee this to them and continue to play the unseemly role of an overseer. For a fee from Australia, of course.
This state is known for being “the very best”: the smallest island state; the smallest independent republic on Earth; the smallest state outside Europe and the only republic in the world without an official capital.
True, some sources call the capital of the Republic Yaren, but in reality there is no official capital in Nauru.
The state is located on the island of Nauru. Its area is only 21.3 km², and the population is about 13 thousand people.
The independence of the Republic of Nauru was proclaimed in 1968. A republican form of government was established with the Westminster system of parliamentarism and features of a presidential form of government.
Head of State and Government Nauru is a president elected for 3 years. The unicameral parliament consists of 18 deputies.
There are no national armed forces. The security of the island is carried out by Australia.
State symbols of Nauru
Flag- a panel with an aspect ratio of 1:2 with a horizontal yellow line on a blue background running in the middle, and a large white 12-pointed star under the line in the left corner. The star indicates the location of the country in relation to the equator (yellow stripe). The 12 ends of the star symbolize the 12 tribes of Nauru. Blue represents the Pacific Ocean.
The flag was adopted on January 31, 1968.
Coat of arms- is a three-part shield. In the upper part, on a golden wicker field, there is a symbol that was once the alchemical symbol of phosphorus (until recently, phosphorites were the basis of the island's economy). The braided background symbolizes the people of Nauru. In the lower right silver field is a frigate bird sitting on a pole above the ocean waves. In the lower left field there is a branch of Calophyllum flowers on a blue field. The shield is surrounded by ropes of palm leaves and frigate feathers. The 12-pointed star above the shield is taken from the flag. The ribbon at the top bears the name of the country in the local language. The ribbon below carries the country's national motto: "God's Will First" ("First of all, God's will").
The coat of arms was created in 1968.
Geography and geology of the island of Nauru
Nauru Island is a raised coral atoll. A narrow coastal plain 100-300 m wide surrounds a limestone plateau, the height of which in the central part of Nauru reaches 30 m. The plateau was previously covered with a thick layer of phosphorites, formed, presumably, from the excrement of seabirds.
The island is surrounded by a reef about 120-300 m wide. At low tide, the reef dotted with peaks is exposed. 16 channels are dug in it, which allow small boats to approach the coast of the island.
Phosphorite mining was carried out here, a narrow-gauge railway was laid to deliver the mined phosphorites to the port. And at the site of development there were huge pyramids and limestone battlements.
There is a shortage of fresh water on the island, because. there are no rivers here. In the southwest of the island there is a small brackish Lake Buada which is fed by rainwater. Its level is 5 m higher than the level of the ocean surrounding Nauru. Currently, the lake is not connected to the ocean. Around the lake there is fertile land, agriculture is developed there.
But the amount of water in this lake does not meet the needs of the population for drinking water, so during the drought it is imported from Australia.
There is only one desalination plant on the island, powered by Nauru's only power plant. But the cost of electricity is very high, so the desalination plant does not operate regularly. Rainwater is collected here for irrigation and technical needs.
Flora and fauna
The island was heavily damaged during World War II, as well as from the mining of phosphorites, which led to the destruction of vegetation in most of Nauru. Currently, this problem is being solved: the vegetation cover has been restored on 63% of the territory. In 1989, the Republic of Nauru filed a lawsuit in international court over Australia's handling of the island, in particular the severe environmental impacts resulting from the mining of phosphate rock. Australia paid compensation to Nauru.
Coconut palms, pandanus, laurel, ficus and other deciduous trees grow here. Shrubs are also common. Hibiscus, cherry, almond and mango plantings are found in the interior of Nauru.
The animal world is rather poor: small rats, cats, dogs and pigs, chickens - they were all brought here.
From reptiles - lizards. 6 bird species: waders, terns, pigeons, petrels, frigatebirds. And only one species of songbird lives here - warbler.
The coastal waters are inhabited by sharks, sea urchins, shellfish, crabs and some poisonous marine animals.
Administrative division- despite the fact that the territory of the state is very small, it is divided into 14 administrative districts.
Population
It mainly lives along the coast and around Lake Buada. There are no cities on the island, there are only residential areas. The presidential residence is located in the Meneng district, while government offices and parliament are located in the Yaren district.
Indigenous people (Nauruans) make up 58%. Europeans are about 8%.
State languages- English and Nauruan. Writing has been based on the Latin alphabet for 100 years.
Religion- Christianity. 57% Protestants, about 33% Catholics, 5% profess Buddhism and Taoism.
Some adhere to traditional beliefs (worship of the goddess Eijebong and the island spirit Buitani).
Economy of Nauru
During the mining of phosphorites, Nauru was a very rich republic (1970-1980). But this had a devastating effect on the relief and vegetation of the plateau in the central part of the island. By the end of the XX century. 80% of the land has turned into a desert.
In the 1990s, there was an offshore zone, and in 2003 a severe economic crisis broke out, which ended in political clashes, as a result of which the presidential residence burned down and telephone communications were cut off.
In recent years, Australia has been providing significant assistance to the country.
Papaya, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, coconut palms, and breadfruit are grown in the coastal zone.
Fishing is mainly aimed at the domestic market, except for tuna, which is exported to Japan and Australia. Fish are bred in small artificial reservoirs hanos(mainly for the domestic market).
Food, fuel, machinery and equipment, building materials, consumer goods are imported in the country.
Currency- Australian dollar.
Sport
Australian football is the national sport game. Also popular are weightlifting, softball (a sports team game with a ball, an analogue of baseball), basketball and tennis. Nauru was officially admitted to the Olympic Movement in 1996.
Education
Education in Nauru is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 15 (grades 1-10). preschool And preparatory education is for young children.
Primary education- for children aged 6 to 11 years. The first 2 years are taught at Yaren Primary School, 3 and 4 years at Aiwo Primary School, and from the 5th year at Nauru College. Exams are taken to obtain the Certificate of Primary Education.
secondary school A: Grades 7-10 are required and grades 11-12 are optional. Exams are taken to obtain the Certificate of Secondary Education. If the training is continued, at the end of the 12th grade, exams are taken for a Certificate of Complete Secondary Education.
Higher education can be obtained overseas, mainly in Australia. In Nauru there is a branch of the University of the South Pacific, where you can study in absentia.
History of Nauru
Around 3,000 years ago, Nauru was settled by supposedly Micronesians and Polynesians. The origin was taken into account on the maternal line. Before the arrival of Europeans, the population of the island of Nauru consisted of 12 tribes, this is reflected in the 12-pointed star on the modern flag and coat of arms of the Republic of Nauru.
The island of Nauru was discovered on November 8, 1798 by an English captain John Fearn sailing to China from New Zealand.
In the 19th century the first Europeans began to settle on the island: runaway convicts, deserters from whaling ships, merchants. This did not have the best effect on the atmosphere of the island: hitherto unknown diseases, internecine wars, and alcohol consumption began.
In 1888 Nauru was annexed ( annexation- the official annexation by the state of all or part of the territory of another state unilaterally) by Germany and included in the protectorate of the Marshall Islands under the control of the Jaluit Company. But at first it was not very felt - the island lived its former life. But when large deposits of phosphorites were discovered here, the situation changed. In 1906, an Australian company began their development, which complicated the entire subsequent history of the island.
During the First World War, the island was captured by Australian troops. But at the same time, the Japanese also sought to capture the island, but the Australians were ahead of them.
As a result of the war in 1923, Nauru received the status of a mandated territory of the League of Nations and was transferred under the joint administration of Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, but under the administrative control of Australia. These countries have formed a joint venture called the British Phosphate Commission to mine and sell phosphorites. The development of phosphate rock was carried out before the Second World War, but the indigenous people had practically nothing from this, except for insignificant compensation.
In early December 1940, a clash began between the countries owning the company: a Norwegian and several British ships were sunk by German cruisers, phosphorite burned, and port facilities were bombarded. Only ruins remained of it. The fire destroyed the phosphorites already purchased by the Japanese.
During 1942-1945. Nauru was taken over by Japan. During this period, 1200 Nauruans were deported to the Chuuk Islands, only half of them subsequently returned to their homeland.
Nauru has been a United Nations Trust Territory since 1947, while continuing to be jointly administered by Britain, Australia and New Zealand and administered by Australia. Until the 1970s, up to 2 million tons of phosphorites were mined and exported.
But already in 1940-1950. On the island began the movement for independence. By 1966, local Legislative and Executive Councils were created, which ensured internal self-government. And on January 31, 1968, independence was proclaimed.
Sights of Nauru
City of Yaren
The sights of the city are two museums of Japanese weapons and numerous bunkers and caponiers(a vaulted room sprinkled with earth, arranged inside the fortress moat and armed with cannons to fire at the enemy in the event of an assault), preserved from the Second World War, and a small underground lake Mokua Vel.
The island is surrounded on all sides by sunken planes and ships. The city has an international airport.
Anibare
The best beach of Nauru is located in the Anibare area with excellent conditions for relaxing by the sea. And although the ocean currents near the shores of the bay are quite strong, but this is one of the best resort areas of Nauru. Nearby reefs and two channels create good conditions for diving and snorkeling - here, as in other places off the coast of Nauri, there are several sunken ships from the Second World War.
Official name: | Republic of Nauru | ||
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Capital: | There is no official capital and cities on the island. The seat of government is located in Meneng District, while government offices and parliament are located in Yaren District. | ||
The area of the land: | 21.2 sq. km | ||
Total population: | 13 528 people | ||
Composition of the population: | 58% Nauru (Naurian or Nauran), 26% Melanesian, 8% Chinese, 8% European. | ||
Official language: | Nauru and English. | ||
Religion: | 60% - Protestants, 38% - Catholics. | ||
Internet domain: | .nr | ||
Mains voltage: | ~220 V, 50 Hz | ||
Phone country code: | +674 | ||
Country barcode: | |||
Climate
Equatorial monsoon, very hot and humid.The island of Nauru lies almost on the equator, so the average monthly temperatures - from +28 C to +34 C change little throughout the year. At the same time, the daytime heat, due to the lack of vegetation and the strong heating of the rocky base from the scorching rays of the sun, can reach + 38-41 C, while at night it is only slightly cooler. Only in the period from March to October, when the northeast trade winds blow, the air temperature drops by 3-4 C, but only along the coast - the region of the Central Plateau warms up as significantly as at any other time of the year.
Precipitation falls about 2500 mm per year. From November to February, the cyclone season lasts, when the weather becomes extremely wet, and the island literally "drowns in the rain", but in the rest of the year, due to lack of vegetation and soil characteristics, real droughts are common.
Geography
The island of Nauru lies in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, about 42 km from the equator.
The nearest island, Banaba (Oshen), is located 306 km east of Nauru and belongs to the Republic of Kiribati. The area of the exclusive economic coastal zone (EEZ) is 308 thousand 480 km?, of which 570 km? belongs to territorial waters.
Nauru Island is a raised coral atoll confined to the top of a volcanic cone. The island has an oval shape, from the east the coast is concave - there is the Gulf of Anibar. Length - 5.6 km, width - 4 km. The length of the coastline is about 19 km. The highest point - 65 m (according to various sources 61-71 m) - is located on the border of the districts of Aivo and Buada. Approximately at a distance of 1 km from the coast, the depth of the ocean reaches more than 1000 m. This is due to the fact that in this place there is a steep cliff that reaches the ocean floor.
The surface of the island is a narrow coastal plain 100-300 m wide, surrounding a limestone plateau, the height of which in the central part of Nauru reaches 30 m. The plateau was previously covered with a thick layer of phosphorites, presumably formed from the excrement of seabirds. The island is bordered by a narrow reef (about 120-300 m wide), exposed at low tide and dotted with reef peaks. There are 16 channels dug into the reef, allowing small boats to approach directly the shore of the island.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world. There are 60 species of plants recorded on the island, but none of them is a natural inhabitant of this land - almost all of them have been introduced by humans to one degree or another. Bananas, pineapples and vegetables are grown on the fertile lands around the Buada lagoon, coral remnants cover small pockets of secondary vegetation. The soils are porous sandy loam, on which coconut palms, pandanuses, ficuses, laurel (calophyllum) and other deciduous trees grow. Various types of shrub formations are also common. The most dense vegetation is confined to the coastal strip and the vicinity of the lake. Buada. The recultivated quarry dumps are planted with bushes.The fauna is also extremely scarce - only about 20 species of birds can be attributed to the natural inhabitants of the island, including the most famous local inhabitant - the reed nightingale, or the Nauru canary, as well as about a hundred species of insects and earth crabs common to the islands of the region. All other animals (Polynesian rat, pigs, dogs, etc.) were brought here by man. From mammals, rats are found, from reptiles - lizards. The avifauna is more diverse (waders, terns, petrels, frigatebirds, pigeons, etc.). Lots of insects.
Dangerous plants and animals
In the waters around the islands, there are several varieties of sharks and many poisonous sea creatures (primarily sea snakes, some types of fish and corals). Some types of marine life contain poisonous toxins in their meat, so it is always recommended to consult with local residents about the safety of a particular product. When swimming, it is better to use wetsuits, and to enter the water on an unequipped coast, wear strong shoes that protect your feet from the needles of marine animals and sharp edges of coral fragments.
Attractions
Very little is known about the history of human settlement of the island of Nauru. Only one thing is certain - about three thousand years ago, this piece of land lost in the ocean began to be settled by the famous "peoples of the sea" - the ancestors of modern Polynesians and Micronesians, who made throws from island to island on their flimsy canoes and thereby populated the Great Ocean. Called Naoero by the locals, the island was discovered to Europeans by the British whaler John Fearn, who accidentally stumbled upon unknown land in 1798. From him, the island received its first European name - Pleasant Island. And for another half century, the only Europeans visiting these waters were whalers, slave traders, lumberjacks and pirates.In 1888, Nauru, along with other islands in the region, was annexed by Germany, becoming part of the German Marshall Islands. After the defeat of Germany during the First World War, the island became part of the British Mandatory Territories and was transferred to the administration of Australia. In 1942, the island was invaded by the Japanese, who deported approximately half of the population (1200 people) to Truk Island (Caroline Islands) for forced labor, and almost 500 of these settlers died in the camps. After the Second World War, Nauru remained under the control of the Australian administration as a UN Trust Territory, and only in 1968 the country gained full independence, joining the British Commonwealth of Nations on special rights.
Throughout the 20th century, European (first of all, British, and then local) companies used the territory of the island only for the extraction of phosphates, which are so necessary for the production of mineral fertilizers. As a result, by the beginning of the new millennium, most of the territory of Nauru had turned into a "lunar landscape", pitted with dozens of mines and quarries, and the entire population was concentrated in a narrow strip of coastal lowland. As a result, the country can offer the traveler quite a few attractions - a few beaches on secluded coral reefs and atolls of the surrounding waters, as well as the coral reefs themselves with their sunken ships and aircraft from the Second World War, found in abundance on the local bottom. And clean water and excellent conditions for sport fishing attract fans of active recreation here.
Yaren
The small and rather boring town of Yaren is located in the area of the same name in the south of the island. Nominally bearing the status of the capital of the island, it is a rather haphazardly scattered settlement, little like a city in general, only containing part of the administrative organizations, as well as the international airport and air terminal of Nauru. Its main attractions usually include the complex of the Houses of Parliament, administration offices and the police station, concentrated on a narrow strip between the airfield runway and the coastline. On the other side of the airfield strip, in the wall of coastal cliffs, there is an entrance to the main local natural attraction - caves and a small underground lake Mokva-Vell. You can also see two small museums and the remains of Japanese defensive positions from World War II, whose many bunkers and caponiers, left intact after the end of the war, still contain some examples of weapons from that time.
The Center for Arts and Crafts is located in the complex of the National Tourism Office, which contains most of the literally miraculously preserved samples of local handicrafts, stone tools of the indigenous inhabitants of the island, fishing gear and clothing items, primarily "ingurig" - traditional skirts made of fibers, obtained from hibiscus leaves. In addition, in the National Museum you can see an extensive collection of photographs of the pre-war and post-war years, as well as an exposition of utensils and other historical artifacts.
Aivo
To the northwest, the Aivo (Aiue) region begins - the second metropolitan area, often bearing the title of "the unofficial capital of Nauru", although in a number of indicators it is much more similar to a capital city than Yaren. A higher level of development of this settlement was provided by sea berths and a canal located in this area (the ring of reefs makes it extremely difficult for ocean vessels to approach the coast of the island), so it is not surprising that the entire industrial infrastructure of Nauru is concentrated here. Here you can see the only Aiue Boulevard on the island, the New Port, Chinatown, the chambers of the Nauru Island Council (NIC), the office of the Nauru Phosphate Corporation (NPC), the O "dn-Aiwo Hotel, one of two island hotels) and a power plant.
Anibare
In the eastern part of the island is located the area of Anibare, surrounding the bay of the same name. The gentle arc of the Gulf of Anibare (Anibore) includes the best beach in Nauru with excellent conditions for passive recreation by the sea. Swimming here cannot be called absolutely serene - the ocean currents near the shores of the bay are quite strong and can be dangerous due to their strength and unpredictability. However, on the coast and near it, Anibare does not differ from any resort area in Oceania, there is even a very good Menen Hotel (the Menen Hotel, the most expensive on the island, lies partly in the Menen area - hence the name), and the nearby reef, especially two channel in it, quite suitable for diving and snorkeling - there are even several sunken ships from the Second World War.
Menen
Lying in the very southeast of the island, the Menen (Meneng) area contains on its territory part of the complex of the hotel of the same name, a communication station, a place of worship for the islanders - the Linkbelt Oval stadium and the State Residence complex burned during the 2001 riots (residence of the country's president), once considered the most beautiful building on the island.
Buada
The Buada area lies in the southwestern part of the island, around the lagoon of the same name, which is a vestige of the central lagoon common to the coral islands of the region. Once vast and surrounded by a ring of coral reefs, over millions of years it was raised by tectonic processes to a height of 24 meters above sea level, its waters were desalinated, and the reefs turned into the phosphate rocks of the Topside Highlands. Therefore, the lands around the lagoon are very fertile and still serve as the only agricultural region of Nauru, and the green ring of palm groves and other vegetation is one of the few places on the island where you can hide from the scorching sun in the shade of trees. However, the water of the lagoon is quite dirty and completely unsuitable for swimming.
Topside
The central plateau of Nauru, or Topside, was once a small tropical paradise, covered with dense forest and vast tracts of shrubs. Phosphate deposits hiding under a thin layer of soil have become a real tragedy for this corner of the planet - over a century of incessant development, the plateau was literally torn off the face of the Earth, leaving behind only the outer ring of cliffs. And its surface turned into a hot wasteland of white rocks dried up by the sun, bizarre towers of petrified coral and ugly deep pits and quarries. This is a prime example of how the mining industry has devastated both Nauru's ecology and its culture, bringing to life a once-pastoral island the phantom of easy wealth and the realities of catastrophic consequences. To get to the plateau, you need to rent a taxi, since this place is usually covered with a dust cloud rising from numerous quarries, which in themselves can be quite dangerous - you can simply fall into their abyss-like depths without knowing the terrain.
Over the next few years, the government of Nauru intends to reduce the destructive effect of mining on the plateau, especially since there are almost no phosphates left here. And if they succeed, and the lunar landscape is returned to its original state, this will be a real feat, which both the inhabitants of Nauru and tourists are looking forward to. However, there are few chances for this - in the conditions of the local climate, vegetation will take several decades to simply gain a foothold on barren slopes cut by excavator buckets, and full restoration of the ecosystem will take centuries, which will most likely become an unbearable burden for the poor economy of the island.
Command Ridge is the highest point in Nauru. From here, from the highest point, one can look over the entire island at a glance, as well as inspect the Japanese defensive positions, which have preserved two large coastal defense guns that once fired forty-kilogram shells, a communications bunker and a whole network of trenches and galleries.
Banks and currency
Branches of the Bank of Nauru are usually open from Monday to Thursday, from 09.00 to 15.00, on Fridays - from 09.00 to 16.30.You can exchange currency in banks or in any of the hotels on the island.
American Express, Diners Club and Visa credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but there are no ATMs on the island. Traveler's checks can be cashed at banks and hotels. Despite the widespread use of non-cash means of payment, in many places a clear preference is given to cash.
Australian dollar (AUD, A$), equal to 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 dollars, as well as coins of 1 and 2 dollars, 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
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Nauru island. tiny state
Combined tours:
Vanuatu. Pentecost - the island of brave people
New Caledonia. Another world
Oceania. Visiting the natives
Vanuatu. Malekula Island
Kiribati. Over the seas and oceans
Solomon islands. Land of the Magic Shark
Republic of Nauru- a dwarf state on a coral island in the southwestern
part of the Pacific Ocean, located 42 km south of the equator. Nauru is famous for being the smallest independent republic on Earth, the smallest island nation, the smallest nation outside of Europe, and the only republic in the world without an official capital. The area of the country - the islands of Nauru is 21.3 km., with a population of 10,270 people (as of 2017). Nauru's independence was proclaimed in 1968.
Interestingly, the nearest island, Banaba, is located 288 km to the east and belongs to the Republic of Kiribati.
It is unusual that such a tiny state has its own airline "Our airline."
As now, the Nauruans have always called the island "Naoero", which is a translation from the local language - "I go to the seashore." The state is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. On September 14, 1999, the Republic of Nauru was admitted to the UN. Nauru is a member of the South Pacific Commission and the Pacific Islands Forum. The unofficial capital of the country is the city of Yaren, where the parliament and the airport are located.
Nauru was settled by Micronesians and Polynesians about 3,000 years ago. Traditionally, the islanders considered their maternal lineage. Before the arrival of Europeans (from Bismarck Island), the population of Nauru consisted of 12 tribes, which is reflected in the twelve-pointed star on the modern flag and coat of arms of the Republic of Nauru. There was no common leader on Nauru, and each tribe had its own history. Traditionally, tribes were divided into clans, and each person in it belonged to certain classes. A privileged position has always been occupied by the temonibe class, who were allowed to engage in fishing and own certain areas of the sea.
On November 8, 1798, English captain John Fearn, sailing from New Zealand to China, was the first among Europeans to discover Nauru, who gave the island the name Pleasant Island, which was actively used for 90 years.
Based on the language of the Nauruans, it is customary to refer to the Micronesian group of peoples. The writing of the Nauruan language was created about 100 years ago on the basis of the Latin alphabet and included 17 letters. Later, due to the influence of other languages, primarily German, Tok Pisin and Kiribati, the alphabet expanded to 28 letters.
The Republic of Nauru does not have any national armed forces. Under an informal agreement, the security of the island is carried out by Australia. The monetary unit of Nauru is the Australian dollar. Residents of the island receive higher education in Australia. Nauru also has a branch of the University of the South Pacific which runs distance learning courses.
Education in Nauru is free.
Tourists live in the state hotel "Meneng", which is located on the southern tip of the coast.
Things to do in Nauru:
1. Swimming and diving in Nauru.
Nauru Island is an oval-shaped raised coral atoll on top of a volcanic cone, 6 km long and 4 km wide. The length of the coastline is 18 km
Anibar Bay is located in the east of the island, and 1 km from the coast, due to a steep cliff, the depth of the ocean reaches more than 1000 meters.
The island is bordered by a narrow reef with a width of 120 to 300 meters, with large reef peaks. There are 16 channels dug into the reef, allowing small boats to approach directly the shore of the island.
Strong currents often make swimming in shallow water very dangerous. For beginner divers, it is better to go to the southwestern part of the island, to Aivo Bay, or to the northeast, to the area of Cape Iyuv and the Anabar lagoon. For experienced divers, the northwestern part of Nauru is suitable. You can also go beyond the reef ring, to the Melanesian Basin.
2. Excursions around the city of Yaren.
Yaren is a city and one of the districts of the Republic of Nauru, the unofficial capital of the country.
Yaren was built on a coral atoll that arose on top of a volcanic cone. The only sights of the city are two museums of Japanese weapons and numerous bunkers and caponiers, preserved from the Second World War. The island is literally surrounded on all sides by sunken planes and ships. In the center of the city there is a small underground lake Mokua-Vel.
The President's residence is located in the Meneng district, while government offices and parliament are located in the Yaren district. The entire population of the island lives along the coast, as well as around Lake Buada.
3. Travel around the island of Nauru.
By bike - 2-3 hours, walking - up to 6 hours, by car - 1 hour.
In the equatorial, hot and humid climate of Nauru, a limestone plateau in the center looks very natural, covered with a thick layer of phosphorites (nauruite), formed from the fossilized excrement of seabirds. The plateau is surrounded by a narrow coastal plain up to 300 meters wide. In the inner region of the island there are huge limestone pyramids left after phosphorite mining, which is a huge labyrinth with many hollows and depressions. The narrow gauge railway has been preserved.
Coconut palms, pandanuses, ficuses, laurels and various shrubs grow in the coastal part of the island. There are many birds and insects, among mammals only wild rats are found, and among reptiles - lizards. Bananas, pineapples, papayas, mangoes, almonds, cherries, breadfruit, coconuts are grown on the coastal strip of the island, which go to the local market.
Other popular activities on the island of Nauru include shopping at the only department store, great fishing in the blue crystal clear waters, climbing the island's highest point at Command Ridge. The ridge was used by the Japanese to watch over the harbor in the 1940s during the war, and you can also explore the communications bunker and WWII cannons.
The average monthly temperature is about 28 degrees. Often there are droughts. The wettest season lasts from November to February, when the western tropical monsoons prevail.
4. Fishing in Nauru.
Nauruans have always fished on the reef with canoes and with the help of specially trained birds - large frigates. They were also able to acclimatize hanos fish in Lake Buada, providing themselves with an additional source of food. Fishing is done exclusively by men.
Today, sport fishing is the best outdoor activity on the island. Already 200-300 meters from the shore you can catch tuna, sailfish and marlin. Traditional fishing methods are also interesting, but local instructors prefer a guaranteed catch to the exotic.
Have a nice trip!
Nauru is located on the Oceania mainland and the occupied territory of Nauru is 21. The population of Nauru is 14,000 people. The capital of Nauru is located in the city and has no official capital. The form of government of Nauru is the Republic. Spoken in Nauru: Nauruan, English Nauru has no land borders.The Republic of Nauru is a dwarf state on a coral island, which in outline is very reminiscent of an upside down plate. From the sea side, the lowland is bordered by a narrow beach of white coral sand, and the inner part of it is separated by a shaft of coral limestone, which rises 40-50 m above sea level, which is an extraordinary sight.
Nauru is the smallest independent state on earth and the only republic in the world that does not have an official capital, its government is located in Yaren district. According to the Constitution, adopted on January 29, 1968, a republican form of government was established with the Westminster system of parliamentarism and certain signs of a presidential form of government.
Nauru is known for its fully independent judiciary. The judiciary system consists of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, District and Family Courts, and the Land Committee resolves land disputes. Some issues are decided by the highest court - the Supreme Court of Australia.
The official languages are Nauruan, i.e. Micronesian, and English, since the Republic of Nauru was owned by Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.
Interestingly, the written language created just 100 years ago included only 17 letters, but the influence of other languages over time expanded the alphabet to 28 letters.
Mostly Christians live on the island, about a third of the population are followers of the Catholic Church and a very small number of other beliefs. Some denominations are restricted by the government, such as the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Modern Church of Jesus Christ (Mormons), which are represented mainly by foreigners.
Agriculture and the fishing industry are developing in the country. On the coastal strip of the island, pineapples, bananas, mangoes, papaya, coconut palms, breadfruit are grown, and basically all this goes to local markets. There are only two fishing boats in the country, which bring fish mainly to the domestic market, with a small part of the tuna going to Japan and Australia. There are no rivers on the island. The development of aquaculture is evidenced by the creation of artificial reservoirs, where hanos fish are bred for the island's domestic market.
About 40 km of road and 3.9 km of railway serve as a link between the phosphorite mines and the International Airport, a port on the southwest coast. There is air and sea communication. There is no public transport in the country, so the population moves around the island in personal vehicles.
There are no regular print media in Nauru, newspapers are published from time to time, and government radio and television stations operate. The telecommunications system is well developed, the entire island is covered by cellular communications. Since 1998, the Internet has appeared in the country, several Internet cafes provide visitors with Internet access for a moderate fee, here you can process digital photos, scan documents.
Tourism in the republic is poorly developed, since the island is ecologically polluted after many years of phosphorite mining, and there are few people who want to admire the plain, which resembles a “lunar landscape”. But just someone, perhaps, on the contrary, would like to get to know the unique, in many respects the only Pacific wonder island of Nauru.