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Countries Encyclopedia Entry 1777390865
Kiribati is a small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, comprising 33 coral atolls and islands, known for its rich cultural heritage, unique geography, and resilience in the face of climate change.
GeographyCountries Encyclopedia Entry 1780386125
Kiribati is a small island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean, comprising 33 atolls and islands, with a rich cultural heritage and a unique history of colonization and self-governance. ## Overview Kiribati, formerly known as the Gilbert Islands, is a sovereign nation situated in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,600 miles southwest of Hawaii. With a total land area of approximately 811 square kilometers (313 square miles), Kiribati is one of the smallest countries in the world. The nation comprises 33 atolls and islands, including the capital island of Tarawa, which is home to the majority of the population. Kiribati has a population of around 119,449 people, with the majority being I-Kiribati, the indigenous people of the islands. The country's geography is characterized by coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The climate is tropical, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) throughout the year. The country's unique location in the Pacific makes it vulnerable to natural disasters such as tsunamis, cyclones, and rising sea levels, which pose a significant threat to the nation's very existence. Kiribati has a rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back to the 13th century. The I-Kiribati people have a unique language, culture, and tradition, which is closely tied to their Polynesian ancestry. The country's history is marked by colonization by European powers, including the British, who ruled the islands from 1890 to 1979. Kiribati gained independence on July 12, 1979, and has since been a sovereign nation. ## History/Background The history of Kiribati dates back to the 13th century, when the islands were first inhabited by the I-Kiribati people. The islands were later discovered by European explorers, including the British, who claimed the islands as a British protectorate in 1890. The British ruled the islands until 1979, when Kiribati gained independence. During the colonial period, the I-Kiribati people were subjected to forced labor, land expropriation, and cultural suppression. In the 1950s and 1960s, Kiribati began to demand independence from the British. The country's first constitution was adopted in 1967, and in 1979, Kiribati gained full independence. The country's first president, Ieremia Tabai, played a key role in the country's transition to independence. ## Key Information * Capital: Tarawa * Population: 119,449 * Area: 811 square kilometers (313 square miles) * Language: I-Kiribati (official), English (official) * Currency: Australian dollar * Government: Unitary parliamentary republic * Economy: Fishing, copra production, tourism * Climate: Tropical * Natural resources: Phosphate, fish, copra Kiribati has made significant progress in recent years, including the establishment of a democratic government, the development of a national economy, and the promotion of cultural heritage. The country has also been at the forefront of international efforts to address climate change, including the relocation of its population due to rising sea levels. ## Significance Kiribati's significance lies in its unique cultural heritage, its history of colonization and self-governance, and its vulnerability to climate change. The country's struggle to adapt to rising sea levels and natural disasters has made it a symbol of the impact of climate change on small island nations. Kiribati's efforts to promote cultural heritage and traditional knowledge have also made it a model for other Pacific Island nations. INFOBOX: - Name: Kiribati - Type: Island nation - Date: July 12, 1979 (independence) - Location: Pacific Ocean - Known For: Resilience in the face of climate change TAGS: Kiribati, Pacific Islands, Climate Change, Small Island Nations, Cultural Heritage, Colonization, Self-Governance, Tropical Climate, Natural Disasters, Rising Sea Levels.