The Dark History Of Nauru, The World's Smallest Island Nation

After years of aggressive phosphate mining, poor investments, rampant corruption, and an increasingly turbulent economy, Nauru is one of the most difficult places to live on Earth.

In 1798, a British sea captain spotted a speck of land while sailing in the South Pacific Ocean. He dubbed it “Pleasant Island.” But today, the island is known as Nauru. It’s the third-smallest country in the world — larger only than Vatican City and Monaco — and the world’s smallest island nation.

So what’s it like?

This is the story of Nauru, from its unique geography, to its turbulent history, to the many challenges of living on the island today.

A Tiny Island In The South Pacific

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, 26 miles south of the equator and about 2,500 miles from Australia, Nauru is an oval-shap