Nauru

Link to a Comprehensive Price List of Nauru Stamp Issues

Nauru (formerly Pleasant island) Population 4,000

Stamps of Marshall Islands were used from the opening of the German Colonial Post Office from 14th July,1908 to 8th September,1914. After the occupation by Australian Forces on 6th November,1914 the N.W.P.I (North West Pacific Islands) Overprints (See New Guinea) were used from 2nd January,1915 until 1916. Granted a temporary British mandate in 1916 with stamps of Great Britain overprinted Nauru being used. Nauru stamps (produced in Australia) were used from 1924 when it became a mandate under the League of Nations in 1919. Was placed jointly under Australian, British and New Zealand control because of its importance as a supplier of phosphates, but it was administered by Australia until 1968. Occupied by Japan during World War II, Nauru became a United Nations trusteeship territory in 1945 and became independent on 1st February,1968.

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. Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands

Revenues of this tiny island have traditionally come from exports of phosphates, but reserves are now depleted. Few other resources exist with most necessities being imported, mainly from Australia, its former occupier and later major source of support. The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems. In anticipation of the exhaustion of Nauru's phosphate deposits, substantial amounts of phosphate income have been invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition and provide for Nauru's economic future. As a result of heavy spending from the trust funds, the government faces virtual bankruptcy. To cut costs the government has called for a freeze on wages, a reduction of over-staffed public service departments, privatization of numerous government agencies, and closure of some overseas consulates. In recent years Nauru has encouraged the registration of offshore banks and corporations. In 2004 the deterioration in housing, hospitals, and other capital plant continued, and the cost to Australia of keeping the government and economy afloat has substantially mounted.

 

Link to a Comprehensive Price List of Nauru Stamp Issues

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