Kiribati
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At a glance
- Region
- Micronesia
- Capital
- South Tarawa
- Population
- 135,000 (2024)
- Area
- 811 km²
- Languages
- English, Gilbertese
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD), Kiribati dollar (KID)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +686
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Before you go
Overview
The Republic of Kiribati is a country located at the central Pacific Ocean. It has one elevated coral island called Banaba and 32 atolls.
The country recorded a population of 115,847 in 2018 and covers an area of 811 km2.
Its main capital is Tarawa. Other major towns are Betio, Bairiki, Bikenibeu and Teaoraereke Village.
History
The Samoans, Fijians and Tongans migrated into the country between the 11th and 14th centuries. Thomas Gilbert visited the islands in 1820 which led to the naming of the islands to the Gilbert Islands.
British then made the country their protectorate along with the neighbouring Tuvalu islands in 1892. They were divided into separate territories in 1975. The Gilbert Islands gained independence within the Commonwealth in 1979 and was named Kiribati.
Food & culture
The country’s culture is still based on their traditional customs.
The crops grown in the country include copra, taro, sweet potatoes, breadfruit, vegetables, bananas, papaya and screw-pine.
The most popular dishes are rice and fish, palu Sami, chicken and pork.
Wildlife
Common wildlife animals found in the country include fish, crab species and several bird species.
Festivals & events
The common events held in the country include Independence Day, Youth Day, New Year’s Day, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Kiribati Music and Dance and Betio Game Fishing Competition.
Things to see
Ocean Island is an elevated coral island located at the Pacific Ocean and is the highest point of the island at 81 m high.
Betio Island is located south of Tarawa and is the main port in the country.
Butaritari is an atoll on the Pacific Ocean.
Other must-visit places are Abaiang, Nikumaroro and Pacific Remote Islands Marine National monument.
Interesting facts
Majority of the people live on Gilbert’s islands followed by Tarawa.
The country’s flying fish is very common in the world.
Kiribati is the only world’s country to be located on all the four hemispheres of the earth.
Neighbours
Kiribati has no land borders with other countries.
My Bucket List goals in Kiribati
None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.