Nauru, the world’s 3rd-smallest country, changes its name to Naoero - NBC News
The Pacific island nation of Nauru is officially changing its name to the Republic of Naoero to better reflect its indigenous language and heritage. The government is also updating its international codes and demonyms as part of a broader effort to reclaim national identity.
Why it matters
This move represents a growing trend of post-colonial nations reclaiming traditional names to assert cultural sovereignty.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The Pacific island country of Nauru has changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, its president said, matching the spelling and pronunciation in the national language. The country’s international code will change from NRU to NRO, and its people will be known as dei-Naoero instead of Nauruan. Commonly known abroad by the pronunciation of Now-roo, the new name is pronounced Now-ero. The move returns the remote South Pacific island nation to its traditional name, a statement posted Thursday to the government’s Facebook account said. The country became known internationally as Nauru only because its local name was difficult for foreigners to pronounce and was a matter of convenience rather than one of choice, according to an earlier government statement.
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