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Republic of Naoero Replaces Nauru as Official Name

The government says the change restores the island nation’s traditional name while it pursues international recognition and technical updates.

Overview

  • President David Adeang announced that the country will use the name Republic of Naoero and the demonym dei-Naoero after parliamentary approval of the proposal.
  • Lawmakers completed the two required parliamentary votes for the amendment but officials have not made clear whether the constitution has been formally altered and the planned public referendum was dropped.
  • The government requested recognition from the United Nations in June and the UN plus several foreign ministries and regional embassies have already begun using Naoero on their websites.
  • Authorities say the international three-letter code will move from NRU to NRO, national aircraft and ships will be renamed, and other administrative records will be updated to reflect the new name.
  • The change is framed as a return to the native name and identity and comes as the tiny phosphate-dependent island faces severe sea-level risk and seeks overseas investment, including a paid citizenship programme to fund relocation and infrastructure work.