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The Pacific island nation of Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, in a move designed to strengthen its national identity and cultural heritage.

Nauru’s parliament passed a constitutional amendment in May to rename the country, having initially planned to hold a national referendum on the matter.

However, President David Adeang confirmed late on Wednesday that plans for a vote have been abandoned.

“The decision not to pursue a referendum was reached after thoughtful deliberation that Naoero is not a new name seeking acceptance by the people,” Adeang said.

“It is already the identity of the people, is on the national coat of arms, and spoken in the community; and importantly is allowed by the constitution.”

National flags in Nauru for the Pacific Islands Forum in 2018 (AP)

The abbreviated name will be “Naoero”, while citizens will be referred to as “dei-Naoero”.

European colonisers changed the country’s name to Nauru after struggling to pronounce its native name, Naoero.

The island is the world’s third-smallest nation after Vatican City and Monaco, with a population of about 12,000.

Adeang said the decision was not about politics but about identity, heritage, and “preserving the legacy of our ancestors and strengthening the future of our children.”

The government has formally notified international organisations and countries of the change, with the transition process already underway.