The world’s third-smallest country debuts new name at the UN

Nauru, the world’s third‑smallest country, announced a new name at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. President David Adeang spoke to the assembly, explaining that the island nation would officially adopt the name Naoero, a pronunciation that reflects its historic and indigenous usage.

Adeang said the change was not a mere alteration but an affirmation of the nation’s heritage. “There are moments in the life of a nation when its people are called to remember who they have always been,” he remarked. He highlighted that while the international community had long known the country as Nauru, the name Naoero is what the people have used among themselves for generations.

The practical implications of the change include a new international code, shifting from NRU to NRO, and a new demonym: people will be referred to as dei‑Naoero instead of Nauruan. The pronunciation will also shift from the common “Now‑roo” to “Now‑ero.” The announcement followed a February statement signalling the intent and came after the country’s independence in 1968 from colonial rule.

Adeang compared the move to other nations that have renamed themselves to reflect identity or shed colonial legacies, citing examples such as Eswatini’s change from Swaziland and Zimbabwe’s former name Rhodesia. He concluded his address with a call to the world: “Say our name.”