Nauru, the world's smallest republic, is an oval-shaped outcrop, situated in the Central Pacific west of Kiribati, surrounded by a reef, which is exposed at low tide. Although, there is no deep-water harbour on the island, offshore moorings are reputedly the deepest in the world. On the land surrounding Buada lagoon, bananas, pineapples and some vegetables are grown.
Some secondary vegetation grows over the coral pinnacles which intersperse the island's beaches.
Gained independence from Australia in 1968. Nauruan and English are spoken. There is also a significant Roman Catholic minority. Outgoing international calls must be made through the operator. Airmail to Europe takes up to a week.