Table of Contents
Overview
Kiribati is a unique island nation in the central Pacific Ocean made up of 32 coral atolls and one raised island, scattered over a vast area of ocean. It is the only country that lies in all four hemispheres and spans three major island groups: the Gilbert Islands, Phoenix Islands, and Line Islands. The total land area is about 810 km², while its Exclusive Economic Zone is huge, covering over 3.5 million km² of ocean. Kiribati’s islands are low – lying, making them highly vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Agriculture
In Kiribati, agriculture is largely subsistence‑based and central to household livelihoods on the atolls. The sector (which includes farming, livestock and fishing) contributes around 23–26% of GDP, with about three‑quarters of households involved in food production activities. The most important agricultural products are copra (dried coconut meat), taro, breadfruit, bananas and seasonal vegetables.
Crime
Available historical figures suggest the homicide rate fluctuated but remained low in past decades, with about 7.5 homicides per 100,000 people in 2012, down from earlier peaks. The Kiribati Police Service handles law enforcement across the islands, and illicit drugs (especially cannabis) and small‑scale trafficking activities in remote waters are reported concerns due to the challenges of policing a widely dispersed maritime territory.
Demographics
Kiribati is a small island nation in the central Pacific Ocean with an estimated population of about 120,000 people as of 2024. The population is young, with a median age around 23 years, and most people live on the Gilbert Islands — especially on South Tarawa, the capital area and most densely populated urban centre. English and Gilbertese (Kiribati language) are the main languages spoken.
Economy
Kiribati has a small, vulnerable economy shaped by its remoteness, limited natural resources, and narrow production base. GDP is estimated at around $420–440 million (PPP), with GDP per capita near $3,100–3,300. The economy is service-led, while agriculture and industry play smaller roles. Fisheries dominate exports and government revenue, particularly through tuna fishing and license fees, with copra remaining a traditional agricultural export. The country relies heavily on foreign aid, remittances, fishing licenses, and tourism, making economic performance sensitive to external shocks.
Education
Education in Kiribati is free and compulsory from ages 6 to 14, covering primary and junior secondary levels under national law. Most children attend school, with primary and secondary enrollment above 90% in recent years. The official school starting age is 6 years, and the primary school completion rate exceeds 100%, reflecting some over- and under-age enrollment in the system. Teacher training is strong, with over 92% of primary teachers trained, and the literacy rate among youth remains high.
Geography
Kiribati is a remote island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, consisting of 33 low-lying coral atolls spread across a vast ocean area. It is divided into the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line Islands, with most residents living in South Tarawa. Despite its small land area, Kiribati controls one of the world’s largest exclusive economic zones and is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise.
Health
Kiribati faces unique health challenges due to its isolation, limited healthcare infrastructure, and rising non-communicable diseases. Major concerns include obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, alongside communicable diseases like tuberculosis and periodic outbreaks of dengue fever. Healthcare access is concentrated on South Tarawa, with smaller islands having fewer facilities. Life expectancy is around 67 years, and infant mortality has been gradually declining but remains a concern.
Military
Kiribati has a small defense force known as the Kiribati Police and Defence Service (KPDS), which combines police and military functions. The country does not maintain a standing army, navy, or air force like larger nations; instead, the KPDS focuses on internal security, maritime surveillance, and disaster response. Military personnel are relatively few, reflecting the nation’s size and low strategic threats.
Miscellaneous
Kiribati cuisine is shaped by the country’s island geography, relying heavily on seafood, coconut, and root crops. Fish is the main protein source, eaten fresh, smoked, or dried. Taro and breadfruit are staple carbohydrates, often boiled, roasted, or baked. Coconut is used in sauces, drinks, and desserts, while traditional dishes like palusami combine taro leaves with coconut cream and fish. Meals are typically shared communally, highlighting the cultural importance of food in daily life and celebrations.
Religion
Religion plays a central role in Kiribati’s culture. The majority of the population identifies as Christian, with the two largest denominations being Roman Catholic (58%) and the Kiribati Protestant Church (21%). Other Christian groups, such as the Seventh-day Adventists and Baptists, also have smaller communities.
Weather
Kiribati has a tropical climate with high temperatures year-round, averaging 27–30 °C (81–86 °F). Rainfall varies by island group: the Gilbert Islands are relatively dry, while the Phoenix and Line Islands receive heavier rainfall. Kiribati experiences a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The islands are vulnerable to cyclones, storm surges, and sea-level rise, making weather patterns a crucial factor in daily life, agriculture, and infrastructure planning.