Yaren

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Largest settlement, chief port, and de facto capital of the republic of Nauru; population (2001 est) 4,500. Nauru has no official capital because its population is dispersed over the island, but Yaren, on the southwestern coast, is the site of the country's parliament and government ministries. The economy is based on the export of guano, and a subsistence agriculture of coconuts, pandanus, bananas, pineapples, and vegetables. However, insufficient food is produced for the island's needs, as cultivation is limited by thin, porous soils, the absence of streams, and frequent droughts resulting from irregular rainfall, despite the annual total of 2,060 mm/81 in.

Inland, much of the island consists of a 30 m/100 ft plateau composed of guano (phosphate rock), the residue of countless generations of bird droppings. This material is highly valued as a fertiliser, and its extraction for export has left behind a barren, moon-like landscape.

Black recalls the country's tragic past. White reflects the Georgians' hopes for the future. Dark red is the national colour and is said to represent happiness. Effective date: 14 November 1990. >>