Nauru Hopes You Will Call It by a New Name

Nauru, a Micronesian Pacific island nation of about eight square miles and roughly 11,000 people, is among the world’s smallest countries by both area and population. Its parliament voted 16-0 to change the country’s name to Naoero, a form closer to what island residents call it, rather than the internationally recognized name used since independence. President David Adeang said the change aims to honor heritage, language, and identity. If a referendum approves the proposal, the new name would become official. Name changes can take years or decades to become widely adopted, as seen with other countries such as Turkey and Eswatini, and branding experts emphasize that lasting impact depends on what follows the change.

"By a vote of 16-0, its parliament decided last week to change its name to Naoero, closer to what the people of the island actually call it, rather than the current name that was reworked for Western ears. If voters approve the move in a referendum, it will become official. While the name Nauru has been recognized internationally since independence, this proposed change seeks to more faithfully honor our nation's heritage, our language, and our identity, President David Adeang said in parliament this year."

"Upper Volta, Siam, Swaziland. Names preserved on dusty maps, dented globes and worn world atlases after passing into the mists of time. Soon to join them may be Nauru. The Pacific island nation in Micronesia, at eight square miles, is the third smallest country in the world, bigger than only Vatican City and Monaco. With 11,000 people, it also ranks third smallest in population."

"But when a country officially changes its name, it may take years or even decades to stick in people's minds, no matter what is printed on official letterhead or embassy signs. That has proved to be a challenge for countries as large as Turkey (which now prefers Turkiye) and as small as Swaziland (now Eswatini), among others. It is definitely getting the spotlight and media attention, Jose Filipe Torres, global director for nation and city branding at Bloom Consulting in Madrid, said of Nauru."

"What's important is what comes after that. What does it mean? What are they trying to achieve? Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe."

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