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Nauru officially renamed Republic of Naoero.

8/4/2026

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Nauru Renames

In July 2026, Nauru officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero.
Parliament’s unanimous May approval allowed the government to adopt the new name without holding a public referendum.
The government formally notified foreign states, regional bodies, and international organisations of the name change.
The new name restores the traditional term on the national coat of arms and locally.

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Adeang Renames

In July 2026, the island nation of Nauru officially renamed itself the Republic of Naoero.
The government presented the change as reclaiming indigenous heritage and rejecting the colonial name imposed for foreign convenience.
President David Adeang said the new name honors ancestors and strengthens the nation’s children’s future.
The two-letter code will change from NRU to NRO, making citizens dei-Naoero.

History

Historical Context

In 1972 Sri Lanka, under Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, became a republic, dropping the colonial name Ceylon and adopting a new flag, prompting United Nations updates. In July 2026 Nauru plans to replace its colonial name with the indigenous term Naoero, echoing Sri Lanka’s earlier post-colonial renaming and sparking similar diplomatic adjustments.

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Nauru Renames

In July 2026, Nauru officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero.
Parliament’s unanimous May approval allowed the government to adopt the new name without holding a public referendum.
The government formally notified foreign states, regional bodies, and international organisations of the name change.
The new name restores the traditional term on the national coat of arms and locally.

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