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Learn About Kiribati

Here are some facts and information that will help you learn, understand, and appreciate our home better.

Pronouncing "Kiribati"

The proper pronunciation of Kiribati is ‘Kiri-bas’

Where is Kiribati

Kiribati is situated in the centre of the Pacific Ocean where the equator and International Date Line (Prime Meridian) meet. The therefore makes Kiribati the only country in the world situated on all four hemispheres of the world. Kiribati is part of the Micronesian islands of the Pacific.

Islands of Kiribati

Kiribati is made up of 32 low lying coral atoll islands and 1 raised island. The atoll islands are garlanded by a perpetual stretch of brilliant white sandy beaches and picturesque turquoise lagoons whilst the raised ocean island is home to Kiribati’s unique freshwater cave. The islands of Kiribati are clustered into 3 islands groups. Gilbert Islands group in the west is made up 17 islands (including Banaba) and the capital island Tarawa. The Phoenix Islands group is at the centre of the country and is made up of 8 islands, of which only 1 is inhabited - Kanton Island. East of the country is the Line Islands group made up of 8 islands of which only 3 are inhabited – Kiritimati, Teraina and Tabuaeran islands. In total, only 21 of the 33 islands of Kiribati are inhabited.

Population

Kiribati has a population of 119,940 (2020 population census). Most of the population is concentrated in the Gilbert Islands with most of the people residing in South Tarawa.

Administration Centre

South Tarawa is the main administration centre of Kiribati. ANZ Bank, the only commercial bank in Kiribati is based in Bairiki, South Tarawa and all government offices are located throughout South Tarawa. The nation’s seaport and airport (Bonriki International Airport - TRW) are both located in South Tarawa as well.

The Kiribati Flag

The national flag of Kiribati features a frigate bird (Fregata minor) flying over a rising sun. The bird symbolizes command of the sea, power, freedom, and the Kiribati culture. The 3 blue and 3 white waves represent the Pacific Ocean and the 3 island archipelagos (Gilbert, Phoenix and Line Islands). The sun refers to Kiribati's position astride the Equator. The 17 rays of the sun represent the 17 Gilbert Islands and Banaba

Land Area & Water

Kiribati has a total national boundary of 3.5m sq km of which 811 sq km is land.

The Landscape

32 of the 33 islands of Kiribati are naturally flat seldom rising 3m above sea level. The only raised island Banaba rises 81m above sea level.

Time Zone

Kiribati is on 3 time zones: Gilbert Islands time zone (GMT+12); Phoenix Islands time zone (GMT+13); and Line Islands time zone (GMT+14).

Climate

The typical Kiribati climate is tropical with temperatures averaging around 25°C to 30°C (86 °F). Kiribati only has 2 seasons: dry and the wet season. From November to March, western gales bring rain however precipitation varies significantly between islands. The Islands north of the equator tend to receive a greater mean rainfall in comparison to islands in the south and central. Kiribati does not experience cyclones or hurricanes, but mild effects may occasionally be experienced during cyclone seasons south of the equator.

Economy

The Kiribati economy is based on fisheries, coconuts (copra), labour exports and tourism. A large portion of its revenue earned by Kiribati comes from international fishing licenses, development assistance, tourism and overseas labour remittances.

Government

Kiribati is an independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. The government administration is situated in the capital South Tarawa with the capital city in Bairiki. The House of Parliament is situated in Ambo. As a sovereign and democratic country Kiribati has a 42 members of Parliament, elected every 4 years. The President is elected among 3-4 candidates nominated by the house of parliament from its ranks. The country is also a member of the Commonwealth and adopts the Westminster model of government. North Tarawa and the outer islands are administered by local governments (Island Councils).

Religion

Kiribati is a Christian country with Roman Catholicism and Protestantism as the two main predominant Christian religions. Other denominations include Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Seven Days Adventist, Jehovah Witnesses and Bahai whilst. Islam is also practiced in Kiribati.

Language

The Kiribati language is Gilbertese or ‘te taetae ni Kiribati’ which is a Micronesian language of the Austronesian language family. English however is the official language and is widely spoken.

Why is Kiribati Special

  • Kiribati is a destination where time has stood still. The traditional settings of communities and villages conjure an image of a time long ago where life was lived in the moment and serenity was an important part of daily life.
  • Kiribati is the only country in te work to be situated on all 4 hemispheres of the globe
  • Kiribati is the first country to welcome each new day. In fact Kiribati was the first country to welcome the new millennium in 2000 and renamed Caroline Island to Millenium Island to commemorate this occasion.
  • Kiritimati Island in the Line group is the largest coral atoll in the world.
  • Kiribati is a world class saltwater flyfishing destination and Kiritimati isa haven for bonefish and giant trevally.
  • Kiribati has a rich, living, and vibrant culture and this can be experienced throughout the islands.
  • Kiribati’s capital Tarawa was home to one of the bloodiest battles of WWll in the Pacific known as the ‘Battle of Tarawa’.

Kiribati People, Culture & Heritage

The people of Kiribati are referred to as I-Kiribati. They are by nature, reserved, shy, simple, and hospitable people. Culturally, an I-kiribati values community and kindship above all else.

The Kiribati Culture

The Kiribati culture has greatly been preserved by the isolation that comes with being at the heart of the Pacific Ocean. It is complex and diverse, with each island having its own unique ways. Many people remain true to the century old traditions and practices that define what it means to be I-Kiribati.

For an I-Kiribati, friendship, respect for elders, family & community are important facets in their culture. Christianity also plays a vital role in influencing the culture of Kiribati.

Each I-Kiribati traditional household is led by the eldest male in the family. Household chores are divided by gender. Men and boys are required to fish, collecting toddy, harvesting copra and undertake home construction. The women care for the children and manage chores such as cooking and housekeeping. Women also fish however this is only limited to the lagoon.

The harmonious functioning of any Kiribati household depends on each member fulfilling their traditional role(s) and responsibilities.

Community and Te Maneaba

Te Maneaba is a traditional Kiribati meeting house and is a symbol of community which take precedence above all else. Te Maneaba remains the most important symbol and foundation of community life in Kiribati where matters of political, social, economic, and religious life are discussed and resolved with the leadership of the Unimwane (elected elders) and Christian leaders. It is also a place of celebration, accommodation, storage, and safe refuge from violence. Te Maneaba plays a very important role in maintaining harmony in the community.

Christianity

Christianity is accepted as an integral part of the Kiribati culture and livelihood of its people. Since its introduction in the 1800s, Christianity still plays a very vital role in influencing and shaping the lives of the people especially in supporting peace, morality, and harmony across Kiribati.

Traditional Architecture & Technology

The nature of Kiribati’s island environment and the ocean plays a huge role in the culture of Kiribati that seeks to enable people to adapt and develop traditional technologies and methods for their survival.

Kiribati is a country that is full of amazing skilled fishermen, dynamic architects & structural engineers, bone setters, traditional doctors, weavers, and artists. The technique and skills for building, fishing gear preparation, and household item construction are unique to Kiribati and each of them responds perfectly to the way of life in the islands.