The Nauru Parliament has approved a constitutional amendment to officially change the country’s name from Nauru to Naoero, Xinhua reports, citing a statement from the island nation’s government. The next step will be to hold a national referendum, as public support is required for the change to be finalized.
The amendment was approved by parliament on May 12, 2026. According to the Pacific Islands News Association, the vote was unanimous, and the government links the name change to the recognition of the country’s national heritage and identity.
The new name—Naoero—corresponds to the country’s local self-designation. Nauru’s authorities note that, if finally approved, it will be used in official state documents, institutions, and the country’s international representation.
The parliament’s decision does not yet mean an immediate renaming of the state. The constitutional procedure requires a referendum, after which the change can officially take effect. The date of the vote has not yet been specified in published government and media reports.
Nauru is a small island nation in Micronesia in the central Pacific Ocean. The country gained independence in 1968 and is one of the world’s smallest republics in terms of territory and population. In recent years, Nauru has also attracted international attention due to changes in its foreign policy: in January 2024, the country severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan and reestablished relations with the PR
