The Pacific island nation of Nauru has officially changed its name to Naoero, according to NBC News. The move, reported on Tuesday, makes the country's traditional name its official designation.
Nauru is the world's third-smallest country by size, a distinction noted in the NBC News report. The change aligns the nation's official name with the pronunciation used by its own people, which foreign visitors had often struggled to say correctly, as detailed by People.com.
The name change has been covered by multiple outlets, including The New York Times and NPR, which both confirmed the shift. The Hindu reported on the reasoning behind the revision, noting that the new name better reflects the local language and identity of the island's residents.
Naoero is the indigenous name for the island, which has long been known internationally as Nauru. The adjustment is part of a broader effort to reclaim and promote the nation's cultural heritage, according to the reports. The island, located in the South Pacific, has a population of roughly 10,000 and a land area of just over eight square miles.
The official adoption of Naoero marks a significant step for the country, which has historically been known by a name that did not match its native pronunciation. The change is expected to take effect in official documents and international usage.
Observers will be watching to see how quickly other nations and international organizations update their records to reflect the new name.
