Overview of Kiribati

Profile

Kiribati is a republic comprised of the Gilbert Islands, Phoenix Islands, Line Islands, and Banaba Island in the western and central Pacific. While the total land area is small, the exclusive economic zone covers 3.5 million km². With an average elevation of just a few meters above sea level, it is one of the countries most vulnerable to sea level rise. Official languages are Gilbertese and English. The majority of the population is I-Kiribati of Micronesian descent, maintaining a strong communal traditional culture. The economy is centered on copra, fishing rights income, and foreign aid, with tourism focused on diving and war memorial sites showing growth potential. Famous as the first country to welcome each new day, Kiribati gained international attention at the millennium.

Official name: Republic of Kiribati
Common name: Kiribati
Numeric code: 296
Alpha-3 code: KIR
Alpha-2 code: KI
Population: Approximately 129,000 (2023)
Population density: Approximately 160
Primary languages: Gilbertese, English
Major religions: Christianity (Catholic, United Church, etc.)
National anthem: Teirake Kaini Kiribati (Stand Up, Kiribati)
Calling code: +686
Internet TLD: .ki

History

Became a British protectorate in 1892, gained independence in 1979. After phosphate depletion, fishing rights and aid support the economy.

Indigenous people arrived around 2,000 years ago from Micronesia, with Western ships arriving in the 19th century. In 1892, it became the British protectorate Gilbert and Ellice Islands, seeing fierce battles between Japanese and Allied forces during World War II. British colonial rule continued after the war until independence as a republic on July 12, 1979. Post-independence, the nation secured revenue by negotiating fishing rights within its vast EEZ, and in 1995 moved the International Date Line to its eastern boundary. Recent domestic issues include diplomatic shifts between China and Taiwan, sea level rise countermeasures, and excessive debt risks.

Geography & climate

Low-lying atolls and coral islands averaging 2-3 meters above sea level surround lagoons, with limited fertile soil and main vegetation of coconut palms and pandanus.

Tropical rainforest climate (Af)

Area: Oceania / 811 km²
Capital: Tarawa (South Tarawa)
Largest city: Tarawa (South Tarawa)
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Tropical fish resources, Tuna, Copra, Residual phosphate, Solar energy, Coral reefs, Guano deposits, Tidal energy, Palm groves, Large marine life such as manta rays and sharks

Politics

Government: Republic (Presidential system)

Economy

Currency: Australian Dollar / Kiribati Dollar (coins) (AUD)

GDP (nominal): 2.4 hundred million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 3.6 hundred million USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Gilbertese, English

Time zone: Kiribati Time (UTC+12), Phoenix Islands Time (UTC+13), Line Islands Time (UTC+14)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

I-Kiribati (Micronesian), Polynesian, European mixed, Other minorities

Life expectancy

68.4

Literacy rate

95

National sports

Soccer, Canoe racing, Weightlifting, Traditional dance (Te Mwaie), Volleyball