03.08.2026 13:33
Located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean and the world's smallest republic by area, Nauru has made a historic decision by updating its official name to the 'Republic of Naoero'. Along with this profound change, the country, with a population of approximately 12,000, also renewed its international code and citizenship definition.
The Pacific island nation of Nauru has announced that it has officially changed its name to the "Republic of Naoero."
From now on, the country's short name in the international arena will be "Naoero," and its country code will be "NRO." Under the new arrangements, the country's citizens will also be officially referred to as "dei-Naoero." The Naoero government, which has rapidly initiated the transition process, has officially communicated this historic change to all world states and international organizations, especially the United Nations (UN). UN officials have also confirmed that the notification regarding the name change reached them as of June 26.
REFERENDUM CANCELED: WE ARE NOT BUILDING A NEW IDENTITY
The name change process was placed on a legal footing with a constitutional amendment passed by parliament last May. Although it was initially planned to submit this historic decision to public approval through a national referendum, President David Adeang announced that the ballot process had been abandoned. Adeang emphasized the rationale for this step with the following words:
"This change is not the construction of a new identity that would require public approval. The name 'Naoero' is already on our national coat of arms and is already spoken in the daily life of the community."
President Adeang also stressed that a referendum was not needed because the constitution directly permits this change.
FOREIGNERS' PRONUNCIATION ERROR IS HISTORY
The origin of the name "Nauru," which the country has used for decades, lay in the past inability of foreigners to pronounce the local language correctly. This name, which was formalized only for the convenience of foreigners and without the people's own preference, has become a thing of the past with this decision. Government officials state that the main purpose of the name restoration is to reflect the nation's rich heritage, unique language, and true identity to the world in a much more faithful manner.
ENDANGERED LANGUAGE PLACED UNDER PROTECTION
The adoption of the new name constitutes only one part of the country's efforts to preserve its cultural heritage. The Nauruan language, known among the local population as "dorerin Naoero," is currently listed by UNESCO as one of the languages "severely endangered." Although it continues to be spoken within the community, rescue efforts have accelerated for this language, which has not been taught in schools for many years. Thanks to the bill the government adopted last year, the local language has been included in the official education curriculum, providing strong protection against the danger of extinction.