WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The Pacific island nation formerly known as Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, marking a historic move to restore the country’s traditional identity and align its international name with the spelling and pronunciation used in its native language.
President David Adeang announced the change, saying the decision reflects the country’s cultural heritage and longstanding desire to reclaim its original name rather than continue using a version adopted largely for the convenience of foreign speakers.
Under the change, the nation’s international country code will also be updated from NRU to NRO, while its citizens will now be referred to as dei-Naoero instead of Nauruan. The country’s new official pronunciation is “Now-ero,” replacing the widely used foreign pronunciation of “Now-roo.”
In a statement posted to the government’s official Facebook page, officials said the name change represents a return to the island’s authentic identity.
“The change restores our nation’s traditional name,” the statement said, explaining that the internationally recognized name “Nauru” emerged primarily because the indigenous name was considered difficult for outsiders to pronounce.
According to an earlier government statement, the English version of the country’s name was never the preferred choice of its people but rather a simplified adaptation adopted over time for practical reasons.
The decision is part of a broader effort to preserve and promote the island nation’s indigenous language, history, and cultural traditions. Government officials said the new name better reflects how the country has always referred to itself and strengthens its national identity on the world stage.
Naoero is one of the world’s smallest and most isolated nations. Located in the central Pacific Ocean, the island covers just 21 square kilometers (8 square miles), making it the third-smallest country in the world by land area, behind only Vatican City and Monaco. Despite its small size, the country is an independent republic and a member of the United Nations.
The island has a population of roughly 12,000 people and has experienced dramatic economic shifts over the decades. Once one of the wealthiest nations per capita because of its rich phosphate deposits, the country’s economy later struggled as those natural resources were depleted. In recent years, Naoero has sought to diversify its economy through regional partnerships, fisheries, and other development initiatives.
The name change will require updates across a range of official documents, international records, government agencies, and diplomatic organizations. International country codes, government publications, and official references will gradually transition to the new designation in coordination with global institutions.
The move follows a growing international trend of countries restoring indigenous or historically significant names to reinforce cultural identity and move away from names shaped by colonial influence or foreign convention.
For the people of Naoero, officials say the decision is more than a simple rebranding—it is a reaffirmation of the nation’s heritage, language, and sovereignty. By officially adopting the name that has long been used by its own citizens, the country hopes to ensure that its identity is represented accurately both at home and around the world.
