The adsorption of Na~+ on γ-alumina surface at four coverages of Na_2CO_3 (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% wt/wt) was characterized by solid-state ~(23)Na and ~(27)Al NMR spectroscopy. The experimental results suggest that two distinct adsorbed species are present on alumina surface: surface species and surface salts. At lower coverages of Na_2CO_3 (5% and 10%), a surface species is predominant, in which the Na~+ cations are associated with the oxygen atoms of γ-alumina. With increasing the loading level to 15%, a second adsorbed species begins to appear which is attributed to the surface salt, Na_2CO_3, deposited on the solid surface. Further adsorption of Na_2CO_3 leads to an increase in the amount of surface salt while the amount of surface species remains unchanged. ~1H-~(27)Al CP/MAS experiments give the evidence that some Na~+ cations in the form of surface species are coordinated with the Br~(‥)onsted acid sites of γ-alumina. This may be the main driving force that improves appreciably the catalytic efficiency of Na_2CO_3/γ-Al_2O_3 catalyst.