Nauru Officially Changes National Name to Republic of Naoero

The Government of Nauru officially changed the nation's name to the Republic of Naoero on July 30, 2026. The transition aims to reclaim a traditional designation and honor the nation's Indigenous heritage, reversing a name imposed by European colonizers who found the native term difficult to pronounce.

The process began in January when President David Adeang tabled the renaming proposal. The Parliament of Nauru passed a unanimous constitutional amendment in May, which Speaker Marcus Stephen certified on May 13. Although a national referendum was initially expected to finalize the constitutional procedures, the government bypassed the vote. President Adeang stated the referendum was unnecessary because Naoero is already the identity of the people and is featured on the national coat of arms.

The state has updated its official abbreviated form to Naoero, its country code to NRO, and the demonym for its citizens to dei-Naoero. The government formally notified the United Nations and other international organizations of the change on June 26 to facilitate the global transition.