Nauru has now become the Republic of Naoero

• The small Pacific island nation of Nauru has now officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero. President David Adeang confirmed this on July 31, 2026.

• This change came into effect following a constitutional amendment passed by Parliament in May 2026. The government has presented this not merely as a name change, but as a restoration of the country's original identity and cultural heritage.

• 'Naoero' is the island's original indigenous name, whereas 'Nauru' is considered an altered version from the colonial era.

• Abandoning plans for a referendum, the government viewed this not as the creation of a new identity for the public, but as the formal restoration of a pre-existing national identity. 

• The country's short official name is now Naoero, the country code is NRO, and citizens will be referred to as dei-Naoero.

• The United Nations was formally notified of this change on June 26, 2026, and is currently updating its records.