Nauru, the world’s 3rd-smallest country, changes its name to Naoero
Nauru, the world's third-smallest country by population, has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, restoring the traditional local spelling and pronunciation that had previously been anglicised for the convenience of foreigners. President David Adeang said the change was intended to "more faithfully honour our nation's heritage, our language, and our identity", following approval by parliament through two required rounds of voting on a constitutional amendment.
Home to around 12,000 people, the tiny Pacific atoll will see its international country code shift from NRU to NRO, its citizens will be known as dei-Naoero rather than Nauruans, and the pronunciation will change from "Now-roo" to "Now-ero". Nauru was a German colony before being administered by Australia and gaining independence in 1968; phosphate mining brought brief prosperity in the 1970s before the economy collapsed by the 1990s, and the country now faces existential threats from rising sea levels. The United Nations, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and China have already updated their official records to reflect the new name.
In short
- Nauru renames itself Republic of Naoero, honouring traditional language
- Country code changes from NRU to NRO; citizens now dei-Naoero
- UN, Australia, US and China have already recognised the new name
Explained simply
Naoero is a small island country in the Pacific, with about 12,000 people. It was once a German colony, then came under Australian administration, and became independent in 1968.
Phosphate mining brought the country considerable income in the 1970s, but that prosperity did not last and the economy later struggled. As a low-lying atoll, Naoero also faces risks from rising sea levels.
The country’s name and pronunciation have been shaped by English spellings of the local name. The change reflects an effort to use a form closer to the traditional spelling and pronunciation in the Naoero language.