Key facts
- Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero.
- The new name reflects the traditional spelling and pronunciation in the national language.
- The international code will change from NRU to NRO.
- The change is intended to honor the nation's heritage and identity.
- The United Nations and several embassies already recognize the new name.
The Pacific Island nation of Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, a move President David Adeang stated honors the nation's heritage, language, and identity. The new name aligns with the traditional spelling and pronunciation, replacing the internationally adopted name 'Nauru' which was chosen for foreign convenience. The country's international code will change from NRU to NRO, and its people will be known as dei-Naoero instead of Nauruan.
President Adeang had proposed the constitutional amendment in January, which has since been endorsed by lawmakers. While a referendum was initially considered, the government decided it was not necessary, stating that the name Naoero has always been part of the people's identity and is permitted by the Constitution. The change marks a symbolic shift away from colonial influences, similar to Eswatini's reversion from Swaziland in 2018 and Turkey's request to be known as Türkiye.
Nauru, the world's third-smallest country by population, has a history marked by the boom and bust of phosphate mining, leading to economic challenges. It now faces significant risks from rising sea levels due to climate change, prompting government efforts to seek overseas investment for relocation of people and infrastructure. The name change is seen by Adeang as the "beginning of renewed national pride."
The United Nations website already records the country as Naoero, following a government request in June. Websites of Australia and New Zealand's foreign ministries, as well as the US and Chinese embassies in the region, also reflect the new designation. The government is actively seeking recognition of the name change from other countries and international institutions, and this will also prompt the renaming of its national aircraft and ships.