The Pacific island nation formerly known as Nauru has officially adopted the name Republic of Naoero, replacing its international country code NRU with NRO in a landmark national identity reform. President David Adeang announced the change after parliament passed a constitutional amendment in two rounds of voting, marking one of the most significant shifts in the country's global identity in decades.
New Name Reflects Indigenous Heritage
The traditional name, pronounced "Now-ero," comes from the Nauruan language and better represents the nation's indigenous roots, according to a government statement. The name "Nauru" had been retained largely because it was easier for foreigners to pronounce, not because it reflected the nation's preferred identity.
President Adeang first proposed the change to parliament in January, arguing that the reform would more faithfully honour the country's heritage, language, and culture. "This proposed change seeks to more faithfully honour our nation's heritage, our language, and our identity," he said.
What Changes for Citizens and State Assets
Citizens will now be officially called dei-Naoero instead of Nauruans. The government also confirmed that the national aircraft and ships will be renamed as part of the reform. The updated country code NRO will appear across official international systems and documentation.
Officials are already in contact with foreign governments and international organisations to secure recognition of the new designation. The United Nations updated its website after receiving a formal request in June. Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and China have also begun using the updated name through their foreign ministries and embassies.
No Referendum Needed, Says Government
The government decided against holding a public referendum on the name change, stating that the traditional name had never truly fallen out of use among the population. "While a referendum is intended to determine the will of the people, the name Naoero has never been lost, but rather waiting to be fully embraced," the statement read.
With a population of roughly 12,000, Naoero is the world's third-smallest country by population, behind Tuvalu and Vatican City. The island nation gained independence in 1968 after periods under German colonial rule and Australian administration.
Joining a Global Trend of Name Changes
The move places Naoero alongside a small group of countries that have updated their international names in recent years, including Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Türkiye (formerly Turkey). These changes often carry deep national significance and are part of broader efforts to redefine how countries are represented globally.
Lawmakers passed the constitutional amendment in two rounds of voting as required, though it was not immediately clear whether the revised constitution had been formally published. The government said it is working to ensure the new name and code are recognised across all international platforms.
