Economy - overviewPhosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened. With the support of the government, a $34 million casino opened in 1993, but closed in 1998. The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial space-launching site on the island, expected to begin operations in the near future. GDP (purchasing power parity)$NA Labor forceNA Budgetrevenues: $NA Industriestourism, phosphate extraction (near depletion) Agriculture - productsNA Exports$NA Exports - commoditiesphosphate Exports - partnersAustralia, NZ (2004) Imports$NA Imports - commoditiesconsumer goods Imports - partnersprincipally Australia (2004) Economic aid - recipient$NA Currency (code)Australian dollar (AUD) Exchange ratesAustralian dollars per US dollar - 1.3285 (2006), 1.3095 (2005), 1.3598 (2004), 1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002) Fiscal year1 July - 30 June |
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Source: CIA World Factbook | |