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Kiribati flag

Kiribati

Capital:Tarawa
Population:119,000
Currency:Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language:I-Kiribati, English (official)

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Kiribati.

Kiribati Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

The people of Kiribati, known as I-Kiribati, maintain a culture deeply rooted in community, oral tradition, and the sea. Life on these low-lying Pacific atolls has shaped a society where cooperation and shared resources are essential to survival, and these values are reflected in nearly every aspect of daily life. The maneaba, a traditional open-sided meeting house, stands at the center of I-Kiribati community life. Each village has one, and it serves as the gathering place for ceremonies, dispute resolution, storytelling, and decision-making. Seating within the maneaba is structured according to clan lineage, reflecting the importance of ancestry and social hierarchy in Kiribati culture. Dance is one of the most vital cultural expressions in Kiribati. The te buki and ruoia are traditional dance styles performed at festivals and celebrations, often involving precise, coordinated body movements and elaborate costumes made from pandanus leaves and flowers. These performances can tell stories, honor ancestors, or mark important life events. Fishing remains both an economic necessity and a cultural identity. Traditional navigational knowledge passed down through generations allowed I-Kiribati people to travel vast distances across the Pacific using the stars, ocean currents, and wave patterns as guides. This deep connection to the ocean continues to inform local customs, diet, and livelihoods. Christianity plays a significant role in contemporary Kiribati society, with the majority of the population identifying as Roman Catholic or Kiribati Protestant Church members. Religious observance blends with indigenous traditions, particularly around life events such as births, marriages, and funerals. The Kiribati language, also called Gilbertese, is spoken by virtually the entire population and remains a strong marker of cultural identity. Despite growing outside influences from education systems and digital media, efforts are underway to preserve traditional songs, crafts, and oral histories for younger generations. Climate change poses one of the most serious threats not only to the land of Kiribati but to its culture, as rising sea levels risk displacing communities whose identity is inseparably tied to their ancestral islands.

Islands of the Rising Tide

Get More Customs and Culture

3 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Dating Customs

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    7/12

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • July 12th

What should I know about community life and the maneaba in Kiribati?

Community life centers on the maneaba, a traditional open-sided meeting house used for ceremonies, dispute resolution, storytelling, and decision-making.

Do

  • Recognize that seating in the maneaba is arranged by clan lineage
  • Respect the importance of ancestry and social hierarchy

Good to know

  • Each village has its own maneaba as the heart of community life
  • Cooperation and shared resources are core I-Kiribati values

What are dining customs like in Kiribati?

People eat from their own places sharing a common serving dish, and since food is scarce, sharing food is common.

Good to know

  • Meals are usually a rice dish flavored with soy sauce or fish
  • Breadfruit and rice are the common staples, with fish as the main protein
  • Palm toddy (palm sap diluted with water) is the most common drink

What role do dance and tradition play in Kiribati?

Dance is a vital cultural expression, with te buki and ruoia performed at festivals to tell stories, honor ancestors, or mark life events.

Good to know

  • Costumes are made from pandanus leaves and flowers
  • Traditional songs, crafts, and oral histories are being preserved for younger generations
  • Christianity blends with indigenous traditions around births, marriages, and funerals

How important is fishing and the sea in Kiribati?

Fishing is both an economic necessity and a core part of I-Kiribati cultural identity, tied to traditional navigational knowledge.

Good to know

  • Traditional navigation used stars, ocean currents, and wave patterns
  • The connection to the ocean shapes local customs, diet, and livelihoods

What should I know before visiting Kiribati?

The Kiribati language (Gilbertese) is spoken by virtually everyone and is a strong marker of cultural identity, while climate change threatens these low-lying atolls.

Good to know

  • Rising sea levels pose a serious threat to the land and culture
  • Most people identify as Roman Catholic or Kiribati Protestant Church members

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Currency
Australian dollar (AUD)
Time Difference
UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Kiribati has three time zones: the Gilbert Islands group at UTC+12, the Phoenix Islands at UTC+13, and the Line Islands at UTC+14
Climate
tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds
Airports
20
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Corned Beef Stew

Main Dish

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Ancient Settlement

    1000 – 1606

    Micronesian peoples settled the Gilbert Islands between 1000 and 1300 AD, establishing the foundational I-Kiribati culture. Subsequent waves of Fijian and Tongan invaders introduced Polynesian elements, and extensive intermarriage gradually produced a population homogeneous in language, custom, and appearance. By the time of first European contact in the early 16th century, a distinct and resilient island society had long been established.

  2. European Contact

    1606 – 1892

    European whalers, slave traders, and merchant vessels arrived in increasing numbers through the 18th and 19th centuries, introducing fatal diseases and stoking inter-tribal conflicts. The islands were named the Gilbert Islands in 1820 after British naval captain Thomas Gilbert, and the first permanent European settlers arrived in 1837. The resulting social disorder prompted Britain to impose a formal protectorate over the Gilbert and Ellice Islands in 1892.

  3. British Colonial Era

    1892 – 1941

    Following the 1892 protectorate declaration, Britain annexed Banaba (Ocean Island) in 1900 upon discovery of valuable phosphate deposits, and formally constituted the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony in 1916. The Line and Phoenix Islands were incorporated piecemeal over the following two decades. Between 1957 and 1962, Britain conducted a series of hydrogen bomb test explosions in Kiribati waters, exposing islanders to nuclear fallout.

  4. World War II

    1941 – 1945

    Japan seized the Gilbert Islands in 1942, establishing heavily fortified positions across the archipelago. In November 1943, U.S. Marines launched a ferocious assault on Tarawa Atoll, suffering catastrophic casualties in some of the Pacific War's bloodiest fighting. The Battle of Tarawa proved a pivotal turning point in the Central Pacific campaign and left a lasting imprint on the islands' landscape and collective memory.

  5. Path to Independence

    1945 – 1979

    Britain gradually expanded self-governance in the islands from the 1960s onward. In 1975 the Ellice Islands separated from the colony, becoming the independent nation of Tuvalu in 1978. The Gilbert Islands achieved internal self-government in 1977 and became the fully independent Republic of Kiribati on July 12, 1979, with the United States simultaneously relinquishing claims to the Phoenix and Line Islands by treaty.

  6. Independent Republic

    1979 – present

    Kiribati's post-independence political life was shaped by its unique parliamentary-presidential system and a strict three-term presidential limit. Ieremia Tabai, the nation's first president, served from 1979 to 1991, followed by Teburoro Tito (1994–2003) and Anote Tong, whose contested 2003 election was upheld by an Australian judge. Admitted to the United Nations in 1999, Kiribati has since gained international prominence as a frontline state facing existential threat from climate-change-driven sea level rise.

Overview

The I-Kiribati people settled what would become known as the Gilbert Islands between 1000 and 1300 AD. Subsequent invasions by Fijians and Tongans introduced Micronesian and Polynesian elements to the Micronesian culture, but extensive intermarriage has produced a population reasonably homogeneous in appearance and traditions.

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1820

    Named the Gilbert Islands, after British naval captain Thomas Gilbert.

    Named the Gilbert Islands, after British naval captain Thomas Gilbert who came across a number of the islands in 1788 when sailing from Australia to China.

  2. 1837

    First Europeans settled.

    First Europeans settled.

  3. 1892

    Britain declared protectorate over Gilbert Islands.

    Britain declared protectorate over Gilbert Islands.

  4. 1916

    The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony is formed.

    The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony is formed. Over the next twenty years other island groups in the area, including the Line Islands and the Phoenix Islands, are added to the colony.

  5. 1942 – 1943

    Japanese occupation.

    Japanese occupation.

  6. 1957 – 1962

    The Britisdh conducted test explosions of Hydrogen Bombs in Kiribati waters.

    The Britisdh conducted test explosions of Hydrogen Bombs in Kiribati waters.

  7. 1979

    The Gilbert Islands become an independent republic.

    The Gilbert Islands become an independent republic within the Commonwealth under the name of Kiribati. Ieremia Tabai becomes president.

View full timeline (9 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • The Republic of Kiribati is particularly concerned about global warming. It is thought that climate change will see the disappearance of the low-lying islands. Two of the uninhabited coral reefs have already been submerged by rising sea levels.

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs
Climate
tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds
Natural Hazards
typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March; occasional tornadoes; low level of some of the islands make them very sensitive to changes in sea level
Current Environmental Issues
heavy pollution in lagoon of south Tarawa atoll due to heavy migration mixed with traditional practices such as lagoon latrines and open-pit dumping; ground water at risk
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

I-Kiribati, English (official)

  • English
  • I-Kiribati

Population

Population
119,000
Population in Major Urban Areas
TARAWA (capital) 44,000
Nationality Noun
I-Kiribati (singular and plural)
Ethnic Groups
predominantly Micronesian with some Polynesian

Education

Literacy Definition
NA

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Kiribati stands at approximately 68 to 69 years overall, with notable differences between males and females. Women in Kiribati typically live longer, with a life expectancy of around 71 to 72 years, while men average closer to 65 to 67 years. These figures place Kiribati somewhat below the regional average for Pacific island nations and well below the global average of approximately 73 years. Several interconnected factors shape these outcomes. Kiribati faces significant public health challenges stemming from its remote geography and limited healthcare infrastructure. The country's scattered atolls — spread across 3.5 million square kilometers of the central Pacific Ocean — make consistent delivery of medical services extremely difficult. Access to hospitals, specialists, and emergency care varies considerably between the main island of South Tarawa and the outer islands, where basic health facilities may be the only option available. Non-communicable diseases represent a growing and serious concern. Rates of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease have risen sharply in recent decades, driven in part by shifts in diet toward processed and imported foods, reduced physical activity, and high rates of tobacco use. These conditions are now among the leading causes of premature death in the country. Infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, continue to affect the population at rates higher than in many other Pacific nations. Overcrowding in South Tarawa, where the population density rivals some of the most crowded urban areas in the world, contributes to the spread of respiratory and waterborne illnesses. Clean water access and sanitation remain challenges across parts of the archipelago. Maternal and child health outcomes have improved modestly over recent years due to targeted health programs and international aid, contributing incremental gains to overall life expectancy. Nonetheless, infant mortality remains a concern relative to wealthier Pacific neighbors. Climate change poses an emerging long-term threat. As a low-lying atoll nation, Kiribati is highly vulnerable to saltwater intrusion, which threatens freshwater supplies and food security — factors that will likely influence population health and longevity in the decades ahead.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Kiribati stands at approximately 68 to 69 years overall, with notable differences between males and females. Women in Kiribati typically live longer, with a life expectancy of around 71 to 72 years, while men average closer to 65 to 67 years. These figures place Kiribati somewhat below the regional average for Pacific island nations and well below the global average of approximately 73 years. Several interconnected factors shape these outcomes. Kiribati faces significant public health challenges stemming from its remote geography and limited healthcare infrastructure. The country's scattered atolls — spread across 3.5 million square kilometers of the central Pacific Ocean — make consistent delivery of medical services extremely difficult. Access to hospitals, specialists, and emergency care varies considerably between the main island of South Tarawa and the outer islands, where basic health facilities may be the only option available. Non-communicable diseases represent a growing and serious concern. Rates of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease have risen sharply in recent decades, driven in part by shifts in diet toward processed and imported foods, reduced physical activity, and high rates of tobacco use. These conditions are now among the leading causes of premature death in the country. Infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, continue to affect the population at rates higher than in many other Pacific nations. Overcrowding in South Tarawa, where the population density rivals some of the most crowded urban areas in the world, contributes to the spread of respiratory and waterborne illnesses. Clean water access and sanitation remain challenges across parts of the archipelago. Maternal and child health outcomes have improved modestly over recent years due to targeted health programs and international aid, contributing incremental gains to overall life expectancy. Nonetheless, infant mortality remains a concern relative to wealthier Pacific neighbors. Climate change poses an emerging long-term threat. As a low-lying atoll nation, Kiribati is highly vulnerable to saltwater intrusion, which threatens freshwater supplies and food security — factors that will likely influence population health and longevity in the decades ahead.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Kiribati
Full Country Name
Republic of Kiribati
Former Name
Gilbert Islands

Government Structure

Government Type
republic
Legal System
NA
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Taneti MAAMAU (since 11 March 2016); Vice President Teuea TOATU; note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Taneti MAAMAU (since 11 March 2016); Vice President Teuea TOATU; note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the House of Parliament elections: the House of Parliament nominates presidential candidates from among its members, who then compete in a national popular vote; president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term and is eligible for up to three terms; most recent election held on 22 June 2020; vice president appointed by the president election results: Taneti MAAMAU reelected president; Taneti MAAMAU 59.3%, Banuera BERINA 40.7%
Legislative Branch
Unicameral House of Parliament or Maneaba Ni Maungatabu (46 seats; 44 elected by popular vote, 1 appointed to represent Banaba Island, and 1 ex officio member — the attorney general; members serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 14 August 2024, with a second round on 21 August 2024 Election results: percent of vote by party — NA; seats by party — Tobwaan Kiribati Party (TKP) 22, Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party (BKM) 20, independents 2, other 2 (includes attorney general and Banaba representative) Note: Legislative elections are typically held in two rounds. The Maneaba Ni Maungatabu serves as the supreme legislative body of Kiribati, with elected members representing constituencies across the Gilbert Islands, as well as the Line Islands and Phoenix Islands. The attorney general holds an ex officio seat and may participate in debate but does not vote.
Judicial Branch
Court of Appeal; High Court; 26 Magistrates' courts; judges at all levels are appointed by the president
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
12-Jul-79
Independence
12 July 1979 (from UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 12 July (1979)

Capital City

Capital Name
Tarawa
Capital - geographic coordinate
1 21 N, 173 02 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Kiribati has three time zones: the Gilbert Islands group at UTC+12, the Phoenix Islands at UTC+13, and the Line Islands at UTC+14

in Kiribati creation mythology, "tarawa" was what the spider Nareau named the land to distinguish it from "karawa" (the sky) and "marawa" (the ocean)

Military

Branches: no regular military forces (establishment prevented by the constitution); Police Force

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy Suva

158 Princes Road,Suva, Fiji

(679) 331-4466

Emergency after-hours telephone: (679) 772-8049

Facsimile: (679) 330-2267

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Economy

A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has few natural resources and is one of the world's least developed economies. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted around the time of independence from the UK in 1979.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Australian Dollar (AUD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
2%
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News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

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Climate Overview

tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Kiribati?
The population of Kiribati is approximately 119,000.
What should I know about community life and the maneaba in Kiribati?
Community life centers on the maneaba, a traditional open-sided meeting house used for ceremonies, dispute resolution, storytelling, and decision-making. Do: Recognize that seating in the maneaba is arranged by clan lineage Respect the importance of ancestry and social hierarchy Each village has its own maneaba as the heart of community life Cooperation and shared resources are core I-Kiribati values
What are dining customs like in Kiribati?
People eat from their own places sharing a common serving dish, and since food is scarce, sharing food is common. Meals are usually a rice dish flavored with soy sauce or fish Breadfruit and rice are the common staples, with fish as the main protein Palm toddy (palm sap diluted with water) is the most common drink
What role do dance and tradition play in Kiribati?
Dance is a vital cultural expression, with te buki and ruoia performed at festivals to tell stories, honor ancestors, or mark life events. Costumes are made from pandanus leaves and flowers Traditional songs, crafts, and oral histories are being preserved for younger generations Christianity blends with indigenous traditions around births, marriages, and funerals
How important is fishing and the sea in Kiribati?
Fishing is both an economic necessity and a core part of I-Kiribati cultural identity, tied to traditional navigational knowledge. Traditional navigation used stars, ocean currents, and wave patterns The connection to the ocean shapes local customs, diet, and livelihoods
What should I know before visiting Kiribati?
The Kiribati language (Gilbertese) is spoken by virtually everyone and is a strong marker of cultural identity, while climate change threatens these low-lying atolls. Rising sea levels pose a serious threat to the land and culture Most people identify as Roman Catholic or Kiribati Protestant Church members
What is the capital of Kiribati?
Tarawa is the capital of Kiribati and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the nation. Located on a narrow atoll in the central Pacific, Tarawa is home to the majority of Kiribati's population and its national government. The atoll gained historical significance as the site of a fierce World War II battle between American and Japanese forces in 1943. South Tarawa, the more densely populated southern portion, houses most government institutions and commercial activity.
Where is Kiribati located?
Kiribati is an island nation situated in the central Pacific Ocean, straddling both the equator and the International Date Line within the region of Oceania. It is composed of 33 atolls and reef islands spread across three main island groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Line Islands. This dispersal makes Kiribati one of the most geographically spread-out nations on Earth, with its islands scattered across roughly 3.5 million square kilometers of ocean.
What are the ocean and sea borders of Kiribati?
As an island nation, Kiribati shares no land borders; it is entirely surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Its nearest island-nation neighbors include Nauru and the Marshall Islands to the northwest, Tuvalu and Tokelau to the south, and Hawaii (United States) far to the northeast. The United States formally relinquished all claims to the Phoenix and Line Islands in a Treaty of Friendship signed with Kiribati in 1979, solidifying the nation's maritime sovereignty over these remote groups.
What is the dominant religion in Kiribati?
Roman Catholicism is the largest religion in Kiribati, practiced by approximately 52% of the population. Protestantism, primarily in its Congregational form, is the second major faith, accounting for around 40% of residents. The remaining 8% practice other religions, including smaller Christian denominations and traditional beliefs. Christianity was introduced to the islands by European missionaries in the nineteenth century and remains deeply woven into community life and social customs throughout the archipelago.
What currency is used in Kiribati?
Kiribati uses the Australian Dollar (AUD) as its official currency, having adopted it at independence rather than establishing a separate national currency. This arrangement reflects Kiribati's close economic ties with Australia and simplifies trade and financial transactions given the country's small and dispersed economy. Kiribati also issued its own Kiribati Dollar coins alongside Australian notes and coins for a period, though these circulated at parity with the AUD and are no longer produced.
What languages are spoken in Kiribati?
The two official languages of Kiribati are I-Kiribati (also known as Gilbertese) and English. I-Kiribati is an Austronesian language spoken natively by the vast majority of the population and is the primary language of daily life, oral tradition, and community identity. English is used in government, education, and formal communications, and proficiency in it is common among educated residents. The language's name, like the country's, is pronounced "ee-Kiribas" due to the orthographic convention of rendering "ti" as "s" in Gilbertese.
What is the geography of Kiribati like?
Kiribati consists of 33 low-lying coral atolls and reef islands distributed across the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The terrain is almost entirely flat, with most land rising no more than two meters above sea level, making the nation acutely vulnerable to tidal flooding and storm surges. This extreme flatness and low elevation place Kiribati at the forefront of global concerns about rising sea levels; two uninhabited coral reefs have already been submerged. The total land area is modest, scattered across a vast ocean expanse that dwarfs the actual dry land.
What is Kiribati known for?
Kiribati is best known for its profound vulnerability to climate change: as one of the world's lowest-lying nations, it faces an existential threat from rising sea levels that have already submerged two uninhabited coral reefs. The country is also recognized for the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, one of the largest marine protected areas on Earth, celebrated for its pristine coral ecosystems. Kiribati gained independence from Britain in 1979 after a period as the Gilbert Islands colony, and its unique straddle of the International Date Line means parts of the nation are among the first places on Earth to greet each new day.

Last reviewed 2026

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