Nauru has officially changed its name to Naoero, the Micronesian nation's government has announced.A constitutional amendment to rename the country passed parliament in May, following a proposal tabled by President David Adeang in January.Mr Adeang said at the time that the name Nauru had been recognised internationally since the island's independence, the proposed change sought to "more faithfully honour our nation's heritage, our language, and our identity".However, a national referendum was expected to follow to complete the constitutional procedures."The Republic of Naoero is the new official designation for what was previously known as Nauru It was followed by a layover period of 90 days and the unanimous vote in favour by the members of parliament.Speaker Marcus Stephen certified the amendment on May 13 to enact the name change."International organisations and countries have formally been notified of the change and have begun making the transition," the government statement said."Naoero is the beginning of renewed national pride, and a new chapter founded on unity, responsibility, patriotism, better health, education, and sustainable development.The United Nations said Nauru had informed it about changing its name to Republic of Naoero on June 26.This story was first published on rnz.co.nz