Nauru

Nauru, officially the Republic of Nauru, independent island republic in the western Pacific Ocean. The island is 40 mi (64 km) south of the equator and about 8 sq mi (20 sq km) in area. Revenues come primarily from the export of phosphate rock. Discovered in 1789 and annexed by Germany in 1888, it was captured by Australia in World War I and administered as a trust territory until independence was granted in 1968. Since Naura is running out of phosphates, it is looking for alternative sources of income.