Kiribati is located in the central Pacific Ocean, straddling the equator. It is comprised of three island groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Line Islands. The capital city, South Tarawa, is located on the atoll of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands.
Geography
Kiribati’s geography is characterized by low-lying coral atolls, fringed by white sandy beaches and surrounded by turquoise lagoons.
Climate
Kiribati has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and a distinct wet and dry season. The islands are vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels, posing significant challenges to their future.
Fauna
The marine ecosystem surrounding Kiribati is teeming with diverse marine life, including colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and seabirds. The atolls provide important nesting grounds for seabirds and are home to unique species adapted to island life.
Longest Rivers
Due to its low-lying geography, Kiribati does not have any significant rivers. The islands rely on groundwater and rainfall for freshwater supply.
Highest Mountains
Kiribati is comprised of coral atolls and reef islands, with no significant mountainous terrain.
History
Kiribati’s history is closely tied to its maritime heritage, with the ancestors of the Gilbertese people believed to have migrated from Southeast Asia thousands of years ago.
Prehistory
Evidence suggests that the islands of Kiribati were settled by Micronesian and Polynesian peoples around 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. These early settlers were skilled navigators and seafarers, relying on traditional knowledge to traverse the vast Pacific Ocean.
European Contact
The arrival of European explorers in the 18th and 19th centuries brought significant changes to Kiribati. The islands became part of the British Empire in the 19th century, and European influence, including missionary activities and colonial administration, shaped the cultural and political landscape.
Colonial Era
Kiribati was known as the Gilbert Islands under British colonial rule, administered as part of the British Western Pacific Territories. The islands experienced socio-economic changes, including the introduction of cash crops and the establishment of colonial infrastructure.
Independence
Kiribati gained independence from British colonial rule in 1979, becoming a sovereign nation within the Commonwealth. Sir Ieremia Tabai became the country’s first president, leading the transition to self-governance.
Modern Age
In recent decades, Kiribati has faced challenges related to climate change, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and freshwater scarcity. The government has implemented adaptation measures and sought international support to mitigate the impacts of climate change on its islands and communities.
Demographics
Kiribati has a population of approximately 120,000 people, predominantly of Gilbertese descent. The population is distributed across the various atolls and islands, with the majority residing in South Tarawa and other urban centers.
Administrative Divisions
Kiribati is divided into three island groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Line Islands. These island groups are further subdivided into administrative districts and villages.
List of Administrative Divisions with Population
- Gilbert Islands – Population: 110,000
- Phoenix Islands – Population: 2,000
- Line Islands – Population: 8,000
10 Largest Cities by Population
- South Tarawa
- Betio
- Bairiki
- Tabwakea
- Tarawa
Education Systems
Education in Kiribati is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14. The country has primary and secondary schools, as well as vocational and technical institutions. The University of the South Pacific operates a campus in Kiribati, offering higher education opportunities to students.
Transportation
Kiribati has limited transportation infrastructure due to its remote location and scattered islands.
Airports
Kiribati has several airports, including Bonriki International Airport in South Tarawa and Cassidy International Airport on Kiritimati Island.
Maritime Transport
The islands are connected by boat services, with inter-island ferries providing transportation between the main atolls. However, travel between distant islands can be challenging due to the vast distances and limited transport options.
Country Facts
- Population: 120,000
- Capital: South Tarawa
- Language: Gilbertese (Kiribati), English
- Religion: Christianity (predominantly Protestant)
- Race: Gilbertese
- Currency: Kiribati Dollar (AUD)
- ISO Country Codes: KI
- International Calling Code: +686
- Top-level Domain: .ki