The Pacific island nation of Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, marking a significant step towards embracing its Indigenous heritage and national identity. Under the name change, the country’s short name will become Naoero, its country code will change to NRO, and its citizens will be known as dei-Naoero, according to a government statement.
The Republic of Naoero transition follows a constitutional amendment passed by Nauru’s Parliament in May 2026. The government had initially planned to hold a national referendum before implementing the change.
However, President David Adeang later announced that the referendum would not take place. He said the decision followed careful deliberation and reflected the belief that Naoero was not a new identity requiring public approval. Instead, he noted that the country’s people have used the name for a long time, that it appears on the national coat of arms, and that it is already recognised under the constitution.
The name change from Nauru to Naoero is being presented as a reaffirmation of the country’s cultural heritage and Indigenous identity. The move also aligns the nation’s official name with the traditional term used by its people, reinforcing its historical and cultural roots.
