Pacific island nation Nauru officially renamed Republic of Naoero

The Pacific island nation formerly known as Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, reclaiming a traditional designation that predates European colonization in a move its government says is rooted in cultural heritage rather than politics.

President David Adeang confirmed the change in a social media post on Thursday, July 30, announcing that plans for a national referendum had been dropped. "The decision not to pursue a referendum was reached after thoughtful deliberation that Naoero is not a new name seeking acceptance by the people," Adeang said. "It is already the identity of the people, is on the national coat of arms, and spoken in the community; and importantly is allowed by the constitution."reuters+1

From Colonial Convenience to Constitutional Change

The name Nauru was introduced during European colonization, when administrators found the island's indigenous name difficult to pronounce. Germany annexed the island in 1888, and the altered name stuck through decades of foreign administration before the country gained independence in 1968.caliber+1

Adeang first proposed the change in parliament in January. A bill to amend the constitution was followed by a 90-day waiting period and then a unanimous vote by lawmakers. Speaker Marcus Stephen certified the amendment on May 13. Under the new provisions, the country's abbreviated name becomes Naoero, its international code changes from NRU to NRO, and citizens will be referred to as dei-Naoero.dailysabah+3

A Broader Movement

The world's third-smallest nation, with roughly 12,000 residents, joins a growing list of countries shedding colonial-era names. The African kingdom of Eswatini reverted from Swaziland in 2018, and Turkey asked the United Nations in 2022 to adopt the name Türkiye.udayavani

The Nauruan language, known locally as dorerin Naoero, is classified by UNESCO as "severely endangered." While spoken in the community, it is not yet taught in schools, though the government passed a bill last year to incorporate it into the curriculum.aljazeera

The United Nations has already updated its records, noting the government requested the change in June. Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. and Chinese embassies in the region have also begun using Naoero on their websites. The transition will extend to the renaming of national aircraft and ships.indiatoday+1

"Naoero is the beginning of renewed national pride," Adeang said, "and a new chapter founded on unity, responsibility, patriotism, better health, education, and sustainable development."dailysabah