Pacific nation changes its name

The Pacific island nation of Nauru has announced that it has changed its official name to the “Republic of Naoero.” According to a government statement, the country’s short name will henceforth be “Naoero.”

It was reported that along with the name change, the country code will also be updated to “NRO.” It was noted that the term to be used for the people will be “dei-Naoero.”

The statement indicated that international organizations and countries have been officially informed about the new name, and that the transition process has begun. The United Nations also announced that it had received notification that Nauru changed its name to the “Republic of Naoero” on June 26.

The process began with a proposal submitted by President David Adeang in January. The constitutional amendment providing for the change of the country’s name passed through parliament in May.

Adeang had explained the purpose of the change as “more faithfully reflecting the nation’s heritage, language, and identity.” While a referendum was initially expected to be held as part of constitutional procedures, the government later decided against a referendum on the grounds that “Naoero” is not a new name requiring public approval, but rather the country’s traditional name.