Nauru Officially Changes Name to Reflect Local Pronunciation and Heritage

The Pacific island nation of Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naearu, aligning with the local pronunciation and honoring its national heritage. The government announced the change on August 5, 2026, explaining that the previous international name, "Nauru" (pronounced Now-roo), was adopted for foreign convenience rather than local preference. The new name, "Naearu" (pronounced Now-ero), better reflects how the indigenous population refers to their country.

The name change was unanimously approved by the Nauruan parliament in May and has now become official. The government stated on social media that the update aims to more faithfully respect the nation's heritage, language, and identity. Nauru is a small island state in the South Pacific, covering about 21 square kilometers with a population of approximately 12,000, making it the third smallest country by population after Tuvalu and Vatican City.

Historically, Nauru was a German colony and later administered by Australia before gaining independence as a republic in 1968. Located near Australia and Papua New Guinea, Naearu has recently strengthened diplomatic ties with Israel; its foreign minister visited Israel about two weeks ago and announced plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem soon. The island nation is known for its consistent support of Israel at the United Nations and has submitted legal opinions backing Israel in cases before the International Court of Justice in The Hague.