Nauru: History

1888 Nauru is annexed by Germany as part of the Marshall Islands Protectorate.

1900

A British company discovers phosphate on the island. Mining commences 6 years later in 1906.

1914 Nauru is seized by Australian troops.

1919 The League of Nations grants a joint mandate over Nauru to Australia, Great Britain, and New Zealand.

1942

Japan occupies Nauru, and 1,200 (approximately two-thirds) of Nauruan's population are deported to Micronesia to work as forced laborers.

1947 Nauru is made a UN trust territory under Australian administration.

1968

Nauru gains independence.

1999 Nauru joins the United Nations.

2003

Nauru ends its offshore banking industry following money laundering allegations.

2004 Australia sends officials to take charge of Nauru's state finances after Nauru defaults on its loan payments.

2005

The Financial Action Task Force, which was established to fight money laundering, removes Nauru from its list of uncooperative countries.