History
A brief history of Nauru
Three thousand years on a single island in the Pacific.
Three thousand years
A brief history of Nauru
1000 BC
The first Nauruans
About 3,000 years ago the island was first inhabited by Polynesian and Micronesian people who were experts in aquaculture. The national flag of Nauru displays a twelve-pointed star which represents the twelve traditional tribes of Nauru.
1798
The first Western visitor
The first westerner to visit Nauru was John Fearn, a British naval captain and whale hunter.
1830
Trade with Europeans
Nauruans traded with Europeans from around 1830. Among the items they traded for wine and firearms were fresh water and food from the island.
1878
The Tribal War
The firearms were used in the Nauruan Tribal War, which lasted for ten years (1878–1888) and reduced the population from 1,400 to 900 people.
1888
German rule
The war ended when the Germans arrived and incorporated Nauru into the Marshall Islands Protectorate of Germany. The war established rulers, and the kings of Nauru brought significant changes.
1906
Phosphate
A prospector named Albert Ellis discovered that Nauru was rich in phosphate. In a 1906 agreement with Germany, the Pacific Phosphate Company began exploiting the island.
1914
Australian forces arrive
In 1914 Australian troops captured Nauru. Since then the island has been under the governance of countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
1942
The Second World War
The island was also involved in the Second World War. When the war ended, the United Nations entrusted Nauru to New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Australia.
1966
Self-government
In 1966 Nauru became a self-governing entity.
1968
Independence
In 1968 Nauru achieved its independence under the leadership of Hammer DeRoburt, the country’s founding president.
1969
The Manor Hotel opens its doors
A year after independence, the Manor Hotel was built by Nelson Architects on the east coast at Meneng.
Aside from its history, you can enjoy the natural beauty of an island that was almost destroyed by mining.
The hotel
Manor Hotel Nauru
The hotel was built in 1969 by Nelson Architects. It was once regarded as one of the most comfortable hotels in the Pacific. It has 119 guest rooms, and the conference room facilities can accommodate up to 200 people.
Amenities include television, video, fridge, and tea- and coffee-making appliances. The hotel offers the use of a gaming room, swimming pool, all-weather tennis courts, barbecues and a gift shop.
The hotel’s two restaurants serve Thai, Chinese and other cultural cuisines. The hotel bar is the only nightclub in Nauru.
- 1969
- opened
- 119
- guest rooms
- 200
- conference guests
- 2
- restaurants
