Where is Kiribati?
Kiribati is situated in the centre of the Pacific Ocean where the equator and International Date Line (Prime Meridian) meet. This 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.
Pronouncing Kiribati
The proper pronunciation of Kiribati is ‘Kiri-bas’
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 island groups; The Gilbert Islands group in the west made up 17 islands (including Banaba) and the capital island Tarawa; The Phoenix Islands group at the centre of the country, made up of 8 islands, with only Kanton Atoll inhabited; and east of the country is the Line Islands group made up of 8 islands of with 3 islands inhabited – Kiritimati Christmas Island, Teraina Washington Island and Tabuaeran Fanning Island. In total, 21 of the 33 islands of Kiribati are inhabited.
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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
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.
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
Time Zone
Kiribati is in 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.
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 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.