Kiribati

About Kiribati

Kiribati, officially known as the Republic of Kiribati, is a sovereign island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean. Comprising 33 atolls and reef islands dispersed across an expansive area of over 3.5 million square kilometers, Kiribati is one of the most geographically dispersed countries in the world. Its islands are divided into three main groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Line Islands, with the capital, South Tarawa, situated in the Gilbert Islands. Kiribati is renowned for its stunning coral reefs, pristine beaches, and rich marine biodiversity, making it a haven for ecotourism and marine conservation. However, the nation faces significant challenges due to climate change, particularly rising sea levels, which threaten its low-lying atolls and the livelihoods of its approximately 120,000 inhabitants. Despite these challenges, Kiribati maintains a unique cultural heritage, with traditional practices, music, and dance playing a central role in its society. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979 and continues to navigate its path as a small but resilient Pacific nation.