Global - Technology - Review

Nauru, with an area of just eight square miles, is the world’s smallest island nation. It lies in the western Pacific, close to the equator. At one stage, thanks to its phosphate mining, it had the highest per capita income of any nation, however since the deposits ran out, the government has tried a number of schemes, like becoming a tax haven and money laundering centre, providing detention facilities for Australia’s illegal immigrants, financing a disastrous West End Musical, and switching United Nations recognition from Taiwan to China and back again in return for aid. Despite all this, the National Bank is insolvent and there are frequent and regular changes of government. The near circular island is surrounded by a coral reef making it impossible to establish a port. Communications were hindered when the national airline closed down in 2005, leaving access only by ship; eventually a new service was set up with help from China. Fresh water is in short supply and the islanders rely on three desalination plants and collected rainwater. The most popular sport is Australian Rules Football. The narrow coastal strip that surrounds Nauru’s Central Plateau is fertile, and bananas, pineapples and coconuts are grown.