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| Map: Republic Of Naru. Credit: CIA World Factbook. |
FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Republic of Nauru's Independence Day
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
January 29, 2013
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of the Republic of Nauru on the 45th anniversary of your Independence this January 31.
Our two countries share a long history of friendship and cooperation on a broad range of issues, from strengthening regional security, to mitigating the environmental threats posed by climate change, to protecting fisheries and wildlife. Today, we are working together to strengthen democracy and build bridges of respect and friendship between nations around the world.
As you celebrate this special day, know that the United States stands with you in the spirit of our shared values and continuing cooperation. Congratulations and warmest wishes for peace and prosperity in the year to come.
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| Locator Map Of The Republic Of Naru. Credit: CIA World Factbook. |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
The exact origins of the Nauruans are unclear since their language does not resemble any other in the Pacific. Germany annexed the island in 1888. A German-British consortium began mining the island's phosphate deposits early in the 20th century. Australian forces occupied Nauru in World War I; it subsequently became a League of Nations mandate. After the Second World War - and a brutal occupation by Japan - Nauru became a UN trust territory. It achieved independence in 1968 and joined the UN in 1999 as the world's smallest independent republic
