Nauru, World’s Third Smallest Country, Changes Name To Naoero

The country's president said the change seeks to more faithfully honor their nation's heritage, language, and identity.

The world’s third smallest country has changed its name.

The Pacific Island country of Nauru will now be called the Republic of Naoero, 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 spoken as Now-ero.

The move would return the remote South Pacific island nation to its traditional name after it was changed to Nauru. The initial change came because its local name was difficult for foreigners to pronounce and was a matter of convenience rather than one of choice.

The country’s president said the change seeks to more faithfully honor their nation’s heritage, language, and identity.