Nauru Officially Renamed Republic of Naoero, Embracing Traditional Identity

The Pacific Island country of Nauru, now officially the Republic of Naoero, has changed its name to match the spelling and pronunciation in its national language, marking a shift away from its colonial past. The name change, announced by President Adeang, aims to preserve the legacy of the nation’s ancestors and strengthen the future of its children. Naoero, with a population of 12,000, is the world’s third-smallest country and is highly vulnerable to climate change, with rising seas threatening its existence. The country has faced economic turmoil since the collapse of its phosphate mining industry in the 1990s and is now seeking overseas investment through a paid citizenship program to fund relocation efforts. The name change to Naoero, which means "our home" in the local language, has been recognized by the United Nations, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., and China. The international code will change from NRU to NRO, and citizens will be known as dei-Naoero. This move follows other countries like Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Türkiye (formerly Turkey) in reclaiming traditional names. The renaming will also apply to the country’s national aircraft and ships. While a referendum was initially considered, lawmakers decided it was unnecessary since the name Naoero was already deeply ingrained in the nation’s identity, featured on the national coat of arms, and commonly used in the community. The decision reflects a renewed national pride and a step towards reclaiming the country’s cultural heritage.