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Nauru's phosphate deposits began to be mined early in the 20th century by a German-British consortium; the island was occupied by Australian forces in World War I. Nauru achieved independence in 1968 and joined the UN in 1999. Nauru is the world's smallest independent republic.
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Country
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Surface Area: 21 square km
Population: 12,329 (July 2002 est.)
Located in: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands.
Capital City: no official capital; government offices in Yaren District
Head of State: Rene HARRIS
Prime Minister: Rene HARRIS
Independent since: 31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered UN trusteeship)
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
Flag (image): 
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