Nauru Independence Day: A brief history

January 31st sees Nauru's celebration of independence. But what's the story behind this tiny island nation?

Firstly, where even is Nauru? As the third smallest country in the world at 21 square kilometres, Nauru is situated North-East of the Solomon Islands, West of Kiribati or 4038km from Sydney, Australia.

Every year on January 31, Nauru's approximately 12,000 people celebrate when the nation broke free from Australia in 1968.

This day is all about remembering Nauru's unique history, its colonial past and its fight for self-rule.

Here's a simple enough timeline to get your head around Nauru's history:

1888

Nauru is annexed by Germany. Up until WW1, Germany occupied a considerable part of the Pacific.

Occupied Pacific territories (excluding German Samoa) were part of German New Guinea - a former German protectorate which covered part of present-day Papua New Guinea, Palau, the Marshall Islands and of course Nauru.

1914

Nauru is seized by Australian troops as WW1 commences.

Australia and New Zealand's first action of the war was to capture German New Guinea. This was performed successfully and with few casualties.

1919

Nauru comes under a joint League of Nations mandate between Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain. The island was however managed by Australia.

1942-1945

Japanese occupation of Nauru during WW2. Approximately two thirds of the population were "deported to Micronesia to work as forced labour", with 500 dying from starvation or bombing.

Nauru was first bombed by American aircraft in March of 1943. It wasn't until September 1945 when the Japanese on the island surrendered to the Australian Army.

1947

Nauru is made a UN trust territory under Australian administration.

Essentially, this means that Australia was given the task to look after Nauru until it achieved independence.

1968

Nauru achieves independence. After many years under foreign control, Nauru finally gains independence.

The tiny island nation also finally begins to benefit from mining its abundant phosphate reserves.

Today

Photo by Winston Chen on Unsplash

The year 2025 marks 67 years of independence. Over that time however, the country has grown reliant on foreign aid and imports.

This is because of the island's lack of natural resources and the depletion of its phosphate reserves in the early 2000s.

Phosphate, which is used in munitions and fertiliser allowed huge economic growth for Nauru.

Among other factors that have defined Nauru is its geographic isolation, Australia's 'controversial detention centre', the unfortunate title of 'fattest country in the world' and climate change.

But whether it be fishing, wrestling, flag raising, anthem singing or tug-of-warring, Nauruans come together on January 31st to mark the day they finally received independence.

For more about Nauru, keep an eye out for a future blog. To all Nauruans, Happy Independence Day!