GOVERNMENT
The country is governed by a unicameral Parliament consisting of 18 members elected at least triennially from 8 constituencies. Parliament elects the president, who is both chief of state and head of government, from among its members. The president appoints a cabinet from among members of Parliament.
For its size, Nauru has a complex legal system. The Supreme Court, headed by the Chief Justice of Nauru, is paramount on constitutional issues, but other cases can be appealed to the two-judge Appellate Court. Parliament cannot overturn court decisions, but Appellate Court rulings can be appealed to Australia's High Court; in practice, however, this rarely happens. Lower courts consist of the District Court and the Family Court, both of which are headed by a Resident Magistrate, who also is the Registrar of the Supreme Court. Finally, there also are two quasi-courts--the Public Service Appeal Board and the Police Service Board--both of which are presided over by the Chief Justice.
There is a small police force under civilian control. There are no armed forces.
POLITICAL
CONDITIONS
In recent decades, as turmoil grew over Nauru's uncertain future and economic failures, no-confidence votes that spurred changes of government became commonplace. In 1997 Nauru had four different presidents in as many months. Following the election of Ludwig Scotty in October 2004 and the naming of a reform-minded government, Nauru enjoyed a period of political stability. The Scotty team was re-elected to Parliament in August 2007. However, in December 2007 that team split and a no-confidence vote removed Scotty from power. Marcus Stephen assumed the presidency, and Nauru experienced several months of political volatility before snap elections held in April 2008 returned Stephen’s government to power with a larger majority.
Although Nauru had a nominal per capita GDP in excess of $2,700, its economy is in deep crisis, and the resumption of mining promises only a limited respite as the country seeks to find a sustainable economic future. The private sector is very small and employs less than 300. Nauru imports well over 90% of its foodstuffs and other basic goods, but sea and air transport has become problematic. In December 2005, the national airline's remaining airplane was repossessed for non-payment, leaving Nauru dependent on chartered flights. In September 2006, with financing help from Taiwan, a replacement aircraft re-established scheduled commercial flights to Nauru and around the region under the new name of Our Airline. The provision of electricity and water, both dependent on expensive imported fuel, is limited and sporadic. With the help of the Pacific Islands Forum and numerous development partner nations, Nauru has embarked on a major, multi-year strategic national development program to achieve a sustainable economic framework for the country.
Principal
Government Officials
President--Marcus Stephen
Foreign Minister--Kieren Keke
Ambassador to the United States and United Nations--Marlene Moses
Nauru
does not currently have an embassy in the United States but does
have a UN Mission at 800 2d Ave, Suite 400D, New York, New York
10017 (tel: 212-937-0074, fax: 212-937-0079).
Type: Republic.
Constitution: 1968.
Independence: January 31, 1968.
Branches: Executive--president and cabinet. Legislative--unicameral Parliament. Judicial--Supreme Court, Appellate Court, District Court, and Family Court.
Administrative subdivisions: 14 districts.
Political party: Naoero Amo (Nauru First) Party.
Central government budget (2007 est.): $14.96 million.
Suffrage: Universal at age 20.
