The President of Nauru, David Adeang (centre). Image: Facebook
May 13, 2026, 10:30 a.mMay 13, 2026, 10:54 am
Nauru is a small island nation northeast of Papua New Guinea in the Pacific Ocean. In terms of area, Nauru is the third smallest recognized state in the world, with just around 12,000 people living on the island.
The official flag of Nauru.Image: AP Pool New Zealand Herald
The island was occupied for a long time, first by British and then by German colonialists, until it came under the control of Australian troops during the First World War. After the First World War, the country was under Australian mandate, which retained control apart from the Japanese occupation in the Second World War (1942-1945). Nauru only became independent in 1968.
The Nauruans have always called their island Naoero. The British occupiers called the island Pleasant Island or Shank Island, and the German colonialists called it Nawodo or Onawero.
Naoero later became the name Nauru because foreigners could not pronounce the original correctly. And the government now wants to officially change this, as stated in an official post on Facebook.
The island nation’s parliament has now passed a constitutional amendment that will officially rename the country Naoero. The proposal was presented to Parliament in January by President David Adeang:
“While the name Nauru has been internationally recognized since independence, this proposed change is intended to better honor our nation’s heritage, our language and our identity.”
Nauru President David Adeang.
The proposal was approved by MPs on Tuesday, and the population now has to approve the constitutional change in a referendum. (ome)