IBNS-CMEDIA: The Pacific island nation of Nauru, the world’s third smallest nation, has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, marking a return to its traditional identity.
Announcing the change, the government’s official Facebook page said the country’s new abbreviated name will be Naoero, its international code has been updated to NRO, and its citizens will now be known as dei-Naoero.
President David Adeang announced the decision during his opening address to Parliament on July 20, describing the move as a return to the nation’s traditional name following extensive consultations.
Explaining why the government decided against holding a national referendum, it said: “The decision not to pursue a referendum was reached after thoughtful deliberation that Naoero is not a new name seeking acceptance by the people.”
“It is already the identity of the people, is on the national coat of arms, and spoken in the community; and importantly is allowed by the Constitution,” the government said.
It added that while a referendum is generally meant to determine the will of the people, the name Naoero had never been lost and was simply waiting to be fully embraced.
President Adeang said the move was “not about politics” but about identity, heritage and “preserving the legacy of our ancestors and strengthening the future of our children.”
The process to rename the country began on January 29, 2026, when the Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026 was introduced in Parliament.
Following the mandatory 90-day layover period, lawmakers unanimously approved the constitutional amendment. Speaker of Parliament Marcus Stephen certified the amendment on May 13, 2026, formally enacting the name change.
The government said international organisations and foreign governments have been formally notified and have begun updating official records to reflect the country’s new name.
Where is Naoero?
According to the United Nations, Naoero—formerly known as Nauru—is one of the world’s smallest independent states. Situated in the central Pacific Ocean, about 42 kilometres south of the Equator, the island nation had a population of 12,581, according to the World Bank’s 2019 estimate.
A raised fossilised coral atoll, Naoero is one of only three major phosphate rock islands in the Pacific, alongside Banaba in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia.
The country does not have an official capital city.
Surrounded by coral reefs, Naoero also lacks a natural seaport, although construction of a port is currently underway.Nauru is ringed by stunning coral reef and does not have a port, although works are currently underway to construct one.
