Overview
Kiribati, officially the Republic of Kiribati, is a sovereign island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean. With a total area of approximately 811 square kilometers (313 square miles), it is one of the smallest countries in the world. The name "Kiribati" is derived from the Gilbert Islands, which were the original name of the country. The name "Gilbert" was given by British explorer Thomas Gilbert in 1788. The country is comprised of 33 coral atolls and islands, with a population of around 119,449 people, according to the 2020 census. Kiribati is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations.
The capital and largest city of Kiribati is Tarawa, which is located on the atoll of the same name. The city is home to around 50,000 people and serves as the country's economic and administrative hub. Kiribati is a developing country with a growing economy, driven primarily by fishing, copra production, and remittances from overseas workers.
Kiribati is known for its unique culture, which is a blend of Micronesian, Polynesian, and Melanesian influences. The country has a rich tradition of storytelling, music, and dance, which are an integral part of its cultural heritage. The people of Kiribati are predominantly Christian, with a significant proportion of the population practicing Catholicism, Methodism, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
History/Background
Kiribati has a long and complex history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to around 2000 BCE. The country was originally inhabited by Micronesian and Polynesian settlers, who arrived around 1000 BCE. The first European to visit Kiribati was the British explorer Thomas Gilbert in 1788. The country was later colonized by the British, who established a protectorate over the Gilbert Islands in 1890.
In 1979, Kiribati gained independence from Britain, with Tarawa as its capital. The country has since developed a strong sense of national identity and has made significant progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development. However, Kiribati is also facing significant challenges, including climate change, which is threatening the country's very existence. Rising sea levels and increased storm activity are projected to displace thousands of people in the coming decades, making Kiribati one of the most vulnerable countries in the world.
Key Information
- Population: around 119,449 people (2020 census)
- Area: approximately 811 square kilometers (313 square miles)
- Capital: Tarawa
- Language: Gilbertese (official), English (official), and I-Kiribati (a local dialect)
- Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
- Climate: tropical marine climate, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year
- Economy: driven primarily by fishing, copra production, and remittances from overseas workers
- Notable landmarks: the Kiribati National Museum, the Tarawa Cathedral, and the Kiribati Parliament Building
Significance
Kiribati is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is a small but resilient nation that has made significant progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development. Secondly, Kiribati is a leader in the Pacific region, playing an important role in regional organizations such as the Pacific Islands Forum. Thirdly, the country is a key player in international efforts to address climate change, which is threatening its very existence.
