The history of human activity in Nauru, an island country in the Pacific Ocean, began roughly 3,000 years ago when clans settled the island. See more

Nauru was settled by Micronesians around 3,000 years ago, and there is evidence of possible Polynesian influence. Nauruans subsisted on coconut and pandanus fruit, and engaged in See more

During World War II, Nauru was subject to significant damage from both Axis (German and Japanese) and Allied forces. See more

Nauru became self-governing in January 1966. On 31 January 1968, following a two-year constitutional convention, Nauru became the world's … See more

In 1914, following the outbreak of World War I, Nauru was captured by Australian troops, after which Britain held control until 1920. Australia, New … See more

In 1947, a trusteeship was established by the United Nations, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom became the U.N. trustees of … See more

As its phosphate stores began to run out (by 2006, its reserves were exhausted), the island was reduced to an environmental wasteland. Nauru appealed to the See more