The Pacific Island nation of Nauru will now be known as the Republic of Naoero. This change aligns with the spelling and pronunciation in the country’s native language. The international code will transition from NRU to NRO, and the citizens will be called dei-Naoero, replacing the previous term Nauruan.
Traditionally pronounced as Now-roo abroad, the new pronunciation will be Now-ero. The government stated that this change restores the island’s historical name, which was adapted for convenience due to its challenging pronunciation for foreigners.
President David Adeang emphasized that this change honors the national heritage and identity of the island. The constitutional amendment passed through two rounds of voting in Parliament, although it awaits formal amendment. The decision aims for a renewed sense of national pride among the 12,000 residents of Nauru, the third smallest country by population after Tuvalu and Vatican City.
Nauru, a coral limestone atoll, was colonized by Germany and later overseen by Australia. It gained independence in 1968. The island prospered from phosphate mining during the 1970s, but faced economic collapse in the 1990s. Now, it is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by climate change. In response, the government seeks international investment through a paid citizenship program to fund relocation efforts.
President Adeang remarked on the symbolic significance of the name change, which highlights the beginning of renewed national pride. Although a referendum had been considered, extensive discussions led lawmakers to conclude that public voting was unnecessary. The name Naoero has never disappeared, featuring on the national coat of arms and commonly used in local communities.
The name change follows other nations’ efforts to reclaim pre-colonial identities. In 2018, Eswatini restored its historical name from Swaziland. Turkey also requested global organizations to recognize the country as Türkiye in 2022. Preparations for renaming national aircraft and ships are underway, and international recognition is being sought. The United Nations has updated its records, and foreign ministries from Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., and China have adjusted their designations accordingly.