Tiny Pacific island nation Nauru reclaims traditional name 'Naoero'

Nauru, a small Pacific island nation, has officially reverted to its traditional name, Naoero, marking a significant step in strengthening its national identity and cultural heritage. The parliament passed a constitutional amendment in May to enact the change, initially considering a national referendum. However, President David Adeang announced that the referendum plans were dropped.

Adeang explained that the decision not to hold a referendum stemmed from a thoughtful deliberation recognizing that "Naoero is not a new name seeking acceptance by the people." He stated that it is already the people's identity, present on the national coat of arms, spoken in the community, and permitted by the constitution. The abbreviated name will be "Naoero," and citizens will be known as "dei-Naoero."

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The decision not to pursue a referendum was reached after thoughtful deliberation that Naoero is not a new name seeking acceptance by the people. It is already the identity of the people, is on the national coat of arms, and spoken in the community; and importantly is allowed by the constitution.

European colonizers had previously altered the country's name to Nauru due to difficulties pronouncing the native term. Nauru, with a population of approximately 12,000, is the world's third-smallest country, following Vatican City and Monaco. President Adeang emphasized that the name change is fundamentally about identity, heritage, and preserving the legacy of ancestors for future generations, rather than politics.

The government has formally notified international organizations and other countries of the name change, and the transition process is currently underway. The news was reported by Reuters and published in The Straits Times.

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The decision was not about politics but about identity, heritage, and "preserving the legacy of our ancestors and strengthening the future of our children."