Nauru becomes the Republic of Naoero
Nauru officially changes its name to Naoero
- Level
- B1
- Estimated time
- 30–40 minutes
- Reading
- 1 min read
The story
The Pacific island country formerly called Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero. The president said the new spelling matches the national language and the pronunciation Now-ero. The country's international code will change from NRU to NRO, and its people will be known as dei-Naoero instead of Nauruan.
The island has about 12,000 residents and is one of the world’s smallest nations. It grew rich from phosphate mining in the 1970s and then faced economic problems. The atoll is at risk from rising seas, and the government is seeking funds through a paid citizenship programme to move people and infrastructure away from the encroaching ocean.
The government said the change returns the country to its traditional name rather than the version used by foreigners. The country had been called Nauru because its local name was difficult for foreigners to pronounce, and the old name was a matter of convenience. The move honours the nation’s heritage, language and identity. The statement said the change is allowed by the constitution.
President David Adeang called the decision "the beginning of renewed national pride". Lawmakers endorsed the amendment in two required rounds of voting, and after discussions lawmakers decided a public referendum was not needed. The UN and several foreign offices already recognise the new name, and the government has asked other countries and organisations to recognise Naoero.
Key vocabulary
- Republic
- A country with an elected government, not a monarch.
- pronunciation
- The way a word is spoken.
- international
- Relating to more than one country.
- code
- A short set of letters used to identify a country.
- people
- The inhabitants or citizens of a country.
- identity
- The qualities, beliefs, and culture that make a nation unique.
- referendum
- A public vote where people decide on a government issue.
- constitution
- The main law or rules of a country.
Comprehension check
Write your answer, reveal the model answer, then score yourself honestly.
1. What is the country's new official name?
2. What will the international code change to?
3. What will the people be known as?
4. Why did the government say it changed the name?
5. Did officials hold a public referendum to confirm the change?
Grammar focus
Alternative comparison (instead of / rather than)
Alternative comparison shows a choice between two options using instead of or rather than, followed by a noun or -ing form.
- The country's international code will change from NRU to NRO, and its people will be known as dei-Naoero instead of Nauruan.
- The government said the change returns the country to its traditional name rather than the version used by foreigners.
Grammar exercise
Complete the sentences. Use the -ing form of the verb in brackets after instead of or rather than.
1. This week, officials chose Naoero rather than ____ (change).
2. So far, several countries began ____ (recognise) Naoero instead of delaying.
3. Already, lawmakers voted rather than ____ (decide).
4. Recently, foreigners called the island Nauru rather than ____ (call).
5. Since January, people started ____ (honour) their language instead of forgetting.
Discussion
For reflection or speaking practice — not graded.
- Do you think changing a country’s name helps restore national pride? Why?
- How might the name change affect Naoero’s image in other countries?
- What practical steps would a country need to take after a name change?
- Would you support a place in your country changing its name to reflect local language? Why or why not?