Republic of Nauru

Naoero

CAPITAL: There is no formal capital. The seat of government is in the district of Yaren.

FLAG: The flag has a blue background divided horizontally by a narrow gold band, symbolizing the equator. Below the band is a white 12-pointed star, representing the island's 12 traditional tribes.

ANTHEM: Nauru Ubwema (Nauru, Our Homeland).

MONETARY UNIT: The Australian dollar (A$) of 100 cents is the legal currency. A$1 = US$0.61728 (or US$1 = A$1.62) as of May 2003.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Imperial weights and measures are used.

HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day, 1 January; Independence Day, 31 January; Angam Day, 26 October (a celebration of the day on which the population of Nauru reached the pre-World War II level); Christmas Day, 25 December; and Boxing Day, 26 December.

TIME: 11:30 PM = noon GMT.

Location, Size, and Extent

Situated in the western Pacific, Nauru is one of the world's smallest independent nations, with an area of 21 sq km...