THE Republic of Nauru has officially reclaimed its traditional name, Naoero, marking a historic shift that leaders say is about restoring national identity rather than creating a new one.
The constitutional change, announced by the government on Wednesday, follows months of deliberation and formally replaces the country’s internationally recognised name, Nauru, with the Republic of Naoero.
President David Adeang first introduced the proposal to Parliament in January, saying the move would better honour the country’s heritage, language and identity.
Parliament unanimously passed the constitutional amendment in May.
While a national referendum had initially been expected to complete the process, the government said it later determined that one was unnecessary because Naoero has always been the nation’s traditional name.
“The decision not to pursue a referendum was reached after thoughtful deliberation that Naoero is not a new name seeking acceptance by the people,” the government said in a statement.
“It is already the identity of the people, is on the national coat of arms, and spoken in the community. While a referendum is intended to determine the will of the people, the name Naoero has never been lost, but rather waiting to be fully embraced.”
Under the change, the country’s official designation will become the Republic of Naoero; the abbreviated form will be Naoero; the country code will be NRO; and its citizens will be known as dei-Naoero.
The government said the amendment followed the constitutional process, including a 90-day layover period before Parliament unanimously approved the bill. Speaker Marcus Stephen certified the amendment on May 13.
International organisations, including the United Nations, have already been notified and have begun updating official records. The UN confirmed it received formal notification of the name change on June 26.
In his opening address to Parliament on July 20, President Adeang described the return to the traditional name as the beginning of a new chapter for the Pacific nation.
The government said the change reflects renewed national pride and a commitment to unity, responsibility, patriotism, improved health and education, and sustainable development.
“Naoero is the beginning of renewed national pride, and a new chapter founded on unity, responsibility, patriotism, better health, education, and sustainable development,” the statement said.
Home to around 12,000 people, the 21-square-kilometre island nation is the world’s smallest independent republic.
Once among the wealthiest countries per capita because of phosphate mining, Naoero has spent decades rebuilding its economy while navigating the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change.
The renaming places greater emphasis on the country’s Indigenous identity. It signals its intention to present itself to the region and the world under the name its people have always known.
