The world’s third-smallest country, Nauru, is officially changing its name to the Republic of Naoero, a move that reflects its national identity and heritage. The name change, announced by the country’s president, aims to return the remote South Pacific island nation to its traditional name, which was previously difficult for foreigners to pronounce.
The decision was made after extensive discussions among lawmakers, who decided that a public vote was not needed. According to the government, the name Naoero has never been lost, but rather waiting to be fully embraced. It is already the identity of the people, featured on the national coat of arms, and spoken in the community.
The name change is not just a matter of semantics; it also reflects the country’s complex history and its struggles with climate change. Nauru, with a population of 12,000 residents, is one of the world’s most at-risk countries from rising seas. The government has been seeking overseas investment through a paid citizenship program to fund the movement of people and infrastructure away from the encroaching ocean.
The country’s international code will change from NRU to NRO, and its people will be known as dei-Naoero instead of Nauruan. The name change has been recognized by the United Nations, Australia, New Zealand, the US, and China, among others. The move is seen as a symbol of national pride and a renewed sense of identity for the people of Naoero.
Nauru’s decision to change its name is not an isolated incident. Other countries, such as Eswatini and Turkey, have also made similar changes in recent years, signaling a shift away from their colonial pasts. The move is expected to prompt the renaming of Naoero’s national aircraft and ships, as the government seeks to have other countries and international institutions recognize the shift.
