FLAG: Above a blue and white heraldic representation of Pacific waters, a golden sun rises against a red background, with a golden frigate bird at the top.

ANTHEM: Troika kain Kiribati (Stand Kiribati).

MONETARY UNIT: The Australian dollar is the national currency. a$1 = us$0.76336 (or us$1 = a$1.31) as of 2005.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Kiribati is in transition from imperial to metric standards.

HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Independence Day, 12 July; Youth Day, 4 August; Christmas Day, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Movable holidays include Good Friday, Easter Monday, Queen’s Birthday (June), Bank Holiday (August), and Prince of Wales’s Birthday (November).

TIME: Midnight = noon GMT.

1 Location and Size

Kiribati (pronounced “Kiribass”) consists of 33 islands in the central Pacific, situated near the point at which the International Date Line intersects the equator. Scattered over more than 5 million square kilometers (2 million square miles) of ocean, Kiribati’s total land area is 811 square kilometers (313 square miles). Comparatively, the area occupied by Kiribati is about four times the size of Washington, D.C. It has a total coastline is 1,143 kilometers (710 miles).

Kiribati’s capital city, Tarawa, is located on the small island of Tarawa (between Abaiang and Maiana).

2 Topography

Kiribati is made up of three island groups: the Gilbert Islands (on the equator), the Phoenix Islands (to the east), and the Line Islands (north of the equator). Most of the islands are coral atolls built on a submerged volcanic chain. Christmas Island is the largest atoll in the world, with an area of 606 square kilometers (234 square miles). The highest point of the country is an unnamed point on the island of Banaba, which reaches a peak of 81 meters (266 feet). The lowest point is at sea level (Pacific Ocean).

3 Climate

Tempered by prevailing easterly trade winds, the islands have a maritime equatorial climate, with

GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILE

Geographic Features

Area: 811 sq km (313 sq mi)

Size ranking: 172 of 194

Highest elevation: 81 meters (266 feet) at an unnamed location on Banaba

Lowest elevation: Sea level at the Pacific Ocean

Land Use*

Arable land: 3%

Permanent crops: 48%

Other: 49%

Weather**

Average annual precipitation: 163 centimeters (64 inches)

Average temperature in January: 28°c (82°f)

Average temperature in July: 28°c (82°f)

* Arable Land: Land used for temporary crops, like meadows for mowing or pasture, gardens, and greenhouses.

Permanent crops: Land cultivated with crops that occupy its use for long periods, such as cocoa, coffee, rubber, fruit and nut orchards, and vineyards.

Other: Any land not specified, including built-on areas, roads, and barren land.

** The measurements for precipitation and average temperatures were taken at weather stations closest to the country’s largest city.

Precipitation and average temperature can vary significantly within a country, due to factors such as latitude, altitude, coastal proximity, and wind patterns.

high humidity during the November-April rainy season. Rainfall varies from an average of 102 centimeters (40 inches) near the equator to 305 centimeters (120 inches) in the extreme north and south. Daily temperatures range from 25°c (77°f) to 32°c (90°f), with an annual average temperature of 28°c (82°f).

4 Plants and Animals

The extreme poverty of the soil and the variability of the rainfall make cultivation of most crops impossible. Only babai (a kind of taro root), coconut palms, and pandanus trees grow easily on most islands. Pigs and poultry were probably introduced by Europeans. Sea life abounds.

5 Environment

Changes in the level of the sea are serious concerns for the nation. A rise in sea level by even two feet (60 centimeters) would leave Kiribati uninhabitable. Agricultural chemicals have polluted coastal waters. The lagoon of the south Tarawa atoll has been heavily polluted by solid waste disposal. Like other Pacific islands, Kiribati is sensitive to the dangers of pollution and radiation from weapons tests and nuclear waste disposal. A United Nations report describes the wildlife in these areas as “among the most critically threatened in the world.” Endangered or extinct species include the green sea turtle and mukojima bonin honeyeater.

According to a 2006 report, threatened species included five types of birds, four species of fish, and one type of mollusk.

6 Population

The estimated population in 2005 was estimated at 92,000. The projected population for 2025 was 141,000. As of 2005, a total of 42,000 people lived in the capital of Tarawa. Some islands remain uninhabited.

7 Migration

Fiji, Nauru, and the Solomon Islands are popular places for western Kiribatians to resettle in search of work. Internal migration occurs mainly to the Line Islands’ copra (dried coconut meat) plantations. During 1988–93, 4,700 people were resettled on the Teraira and Tabuaeran atolls of the Line Islands because of overcrowding on the main island group. The total number of migrants in 2000 was 2,000. In 2005, the estimated net migration rate was zero.

8 Ethnic Groups

About 98.8% of the people are Gilbertese of Micronesian extraction. Polynesians (mainly from Tuvalu) make up 0.5% of the total; Europeans and people of mixed races, make up 0.7%.

9 Languages

The principal languages spoken are Gilbertese (also called Kiribatese) and English. The official language is English, but it is seldom used on the outer islands. Gilbertese is an Austronesian language related to many other Pacific tongues.

10 Religions

Most of the population is Christian. According to 2002 government statistics, 55% of the population were Roman Catholics and 37% belong to the Kiribati Protestant Church (formerly called the Congregational Church). Religious minorities include the Seventh-day Adventists, the Church of God, Assemblies of God, Mormons, and Baha’is. About 5% of the population claimed no religious affiliation.

11 Transportation

There are only about 670 kilometers (416 miles) of roads, mostly on Tarawa Island. There is no rail, river, or lake transport. The port near Tarawa is equipped for handling containers. The airports on Kiritimati (Christmas Island) and at Tarawa are used for scheduled overseas flights. In 1997 (the latest year for which data was available), 28,000 passengers were carried on scheduled airline flights.

12 History

Early History European discovery dates from 1537, when Kiritimati (Christmas Island) was

BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILE

Name: Anote Tong

Position: President of a republic

Took Office: 10 July 2003

Birthdate: 1952

Education: University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, bachelor of science; London School of Economics, master’s degree

Spouse: Meme Bernadette

Children: Eight children

Of interest: Anote Tong won the 2003 election with a slim majority over his brother, Dr. Harry Tong.

sighted by Spanish explorers. Commercial activities (by the British) began early in the 19th century. Trading ships stopped there regularly by the 1850s and a flourishing copra (dried coconut meat) and coconut trade was established by the 1860s, as well as an illegal slave trade. In the late 19th century, the British set up local native governments on the annexed Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Fanning, Washington, Phoenix, Gilbert, and Ellice Islands (now Tuvalu) and a period of stability followed.

Ocean Island was annexed by Britain in 1900, following Sir Albert Ellis’s discovery of its valuable phosphate deposits. The British declared colonies on Ellice Island (now Tuvalu) in 1916, Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in 1919, and the uninhabited Phoenix group in 1937. During World War II (1939–45), the same islands were occupied by Japanese forces. In 1943, the Japanese were driven out by United States military forces, with heavy casualties on both sides. Ocean Island was liberated by the Australians in 1945.

Independence In a 1974 referendum, the Ellice Islands voted for separation, becoming the independent nation of Tuvalu. The Gilbert Islands became the independent Republic of Kiribati on 12 July 1979. Ieremia Tabai, chief minister at the time of independence, became president of the new republic in 1979 and was reelected in May 1982 and February 1983.

The Banabans, who had been resettled in 1946 on Rabi (Fiji) so that strip mining could be pursued on their native island, sued for damages in 1975. After a lengthy legal battle, a settlement was reached in 1981, providing for creation of a trust fund of nearly us$10.5 million for Banaban development.

Kiribati began resettling more than 4,700 people on outlying atolls in August 1988 to relieve overcrowded conditions on the Tarawa atolls. In September 1988, Kiribati ratified the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Treaty, which permits U.S. tuna ships to operate within its 200-mile exclusive zone. In early 1992, the house of assembly told the government to seek payment from the United States for damage done to the country during World War II (1939–45).

In 1999, Kiribati was admitted to the United Nations (along with Nauru and Tonga).

Teburoro Tito was elected to a four-year term as president in 1994 and reelected in 1998 and 2003. Tito lost power in a no-confidence vote after serving just one day in office of his third term, however. New elections had to be held. In July 2003, Anote Tong defeated his brother, Harry Tong, for the presidency. In November of that same year, Kiribati became the fifth Pacific nation to recognize Taiwan. As a result, China cut its diplomatic ties and removed a space tracking station on Tarawa. However, China did keep a three-person diplomatic staff at its embassy.

Long-term elevation of the surrounding sea level due to global warming remains a serious concern for Kiribati. It has already lost two uninhabited islands and has been forced to move segments of its population inland, away from coastal regions.

13 Government

Kiribati is a democratic republic within the Commonwealth of Nations (formerly known as the British Commonwealth of Nations or the British Commonwealth). It has a single-chamber legislative assembly, Maneaba ni Maungatabu. The beretitenti (president), who is both head of state and head of government, is elected directly by popular vote from among members of the assembly. The islands are divided into 6 districts, which are further divided into 21 island councils.

14 Political Parties

In 1985 opponents of a Soviet fishing agreement founded the Christian Democratic party. Since 1991 the Liberal Party, the Maneaba Party, the New Movement Party, and the Health Peace and Honour Party have been formed. Today, the only recognizable parties are the Maneaban te Mauri Party (formerly the Christian Democratic Party) and the Boutokaan te Koaua Party.

15 Judicial System

The 1979 constitution provides for a high court to act as the supreme court. There is also a court of appeal and magistrates’ courts. Island courts were established in 1965 to deal with civil and criminal offenses. Native land courts handle property claims.

The judiciary is independent and free from government influence. The constitution guarantees civil rights and liberties, which are respected in practice.

Yearly Growth Rate

This economic indicator tells by what percent the economy has increased or decreased when compared with the previous year.

16 Armed Forces

There have been no armed forces in Kiribati since legislation providing for the establishment of a defense force of 170 men was repealed in 1978. There is, however, a small police force. Defense assistance is provided by Australia and New Zealand.

17 Economy

The nation relies on fishing, subsistence agriculture, and exports of copra (dried coconut meat) and is heavily dependent on aid from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Japan, and investment from Australia. Tourism provides about 20% of the gross domestic product (GDP). The country remains heavily dependent on remittances from workers abroad and on foreign aid.

Components of the Economy

This pie chart shows how much of the country’s economy is devoted to agriculture (including forestry, hunting, and fishing), industry, or services.

18 Income

In 2004, Kiribati’s gross domestic product (GDP) was us$206 million, or about us$2,700 per person. The annual growth rate of GDP in 2005 was estimated at 0.3%. The average inflation rate was 0.5%.

19 Industry

Several small industries have been established, including a soft-drink plant, a biscuit factory, boat-building shops, construction companies, furniture plants, repair garages, and bakeries. The government also promotes local handicrafts.

20 Labor

In 2001 (the latest year for which data was available), the labor force totaled an estimated 7,870 economically active people, not including subsistence farmers. About 90% of the labor force was engaged in agriculture or fishing. Overseas workers sent most of their wages home to Kiribati. The minimum age for employment is 14, which is enforced in the industrial sector, but

many children perform light work in the traditional fishing economy.

There is no mandated minimum wage, although wage levels tend to be set by the government through the relatively large public sector.

21 Agriculture

Agriculture is limited chiefly to coconut and pandanus production. An estimated 103,000 tons of coconuts, 5,000 tons of bananas, and 5,900 tons of vegetables and melons were produced in 2004. Agricultural trade in 2004 consisted of us$1.8 million in exports and us$14.3 million in imports. Agriculture contributes 9% to the economy.

22 Domesticated Animals

There were 12,400 pigs in Kiribati in 2005. Annual pork production was 876 tons. The Agricultural Division has introduced improved breeds of livestock.

23 Fishing

Sea fishing is excellent, particularly for skipjack tuna around the Phoenix Islands. The total sea

Yearly Balance of Trade

The balance of trade is the difference between what a country sells to other countries (its exports) and what it buys (its imports). If a country imports more than it exports, it has a negative balance of trade (a trade deficit). If exports exceed imports there is a positive balance of trade (a trade surplus).

catch in 2003 was 35,947 tons. Kiribati also receives revenue from the sales of licenses permitting foreign vessels to fish its offshore waters. Seaweed is also exported. In 2003, exports of fish products were valued at us$4.26 million.

24 Forestry

The forested area was estimated to cover 38.4% of the islands in 2000, but there is little useful timber on the islands.

25 Mining

There has been no mining in Kiribati since the closing of the Banaba phosphate industry in 1979.

26 Foreign Trade

Copra (dried coconut meat), fish, and seaweed are major export products. Imports consist largely of food, fuel, consumer goods, industrial supplies, machinery, and transportation equipment. Key trading partners are the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Japan, and China.

In 2002, Kiribati’s exports were valued at us$35 million, while imports totaled $83 million that same year.

27 Energy and Power

The government maintains electricity-generating plants on Tarawa Island and Kiritimati (Christmas Island). In 2002 electric power generating capacity was 3,000 kilowatts. Production of electricity totaled 12 million kilowatt-hours in that same year.

Kiribati has no known reserves of oil, natural gas, or coal. As a result all fossil fuel needs are met by imports.

28 Social Development

A government system provides old-age, disability, and survivor benefits for all employees over 14 years old, with the exception of domestic workers. Workers’ compensation is available for some employed persons, with the cost covered by the employer.

Women are granted the same legal rights as men, but they have traditionally found themselves in a subordinate role in society. However, they are gradually entering both skilled and unskilled occupations. Although there are signs of affirmative action in government hiring and promotions, Domestic violence is a significant

problem, and child abuse appears to be a growing problem.

29 Health

All health services are free. Tuberculosis remains the most serious public health problem. Other endemic diseases are leprosy, dysentery, and Vitamin A deficiency, which frequently causes night blindness. In 2002, average life expectancy was 61.71 years.

30 Housing

Most Kiribatians live in small villages composed of 10 to 150 houses. They construct their own dwellings from local materials. The use of more permanent building materials, such as concrete with corrugated aluminum roofing, is becoming common in urban areas.

31 Education

Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15 years. They attend seven years of primary school and five years of secondary school. In 1997 (the latest year for which data was available) there were 17,594 students attending 86 primary schools, with 727 teachers. The pupil-to-teacher ratio stood at 24 to 1. In secondary schools, there were 215 staff and 4,403 students in that same year. Secondary-school pupils earn the New Zealand school certificate. The estimated adult literacy rate is 90%.

Higher-education courses are available at the Kiribati Extension Center of the University of the South Pacific (Fiji) in Tarawa. The Tarawa Technical Institute offers instruction in technical and vocational skills.

32 Media

As of 2004, there were three radio stations, two of which were government-owned, but no national television stations in operation. As of 1997 (the latest year for which data was available), there were 17,000 radios and 1,000 televisions in use nationwide. In 2002, there were 2,000 Internet subscribers.

All publications are government- or church-sponsored. The Information Department at Tarawa publishes Atoll Pioneer, a weekly newspaper. Te Itoi ni Kiribati, a weekly newsletter, is published by the Roman Catholic Church. Te Kaotan te Ota is a newspaper published monthly by the Protestant Church.

33 Tourism and Recreation

Tourism is undeveloped because of a lack of regular transport. A visitors’ bureau at Tarawa provides access to fishing, swimming, and boating facilities on Tarawa Island and arranges trips by sea or air to other islands.

Traditional dancing and singing styles have survived, and modern forms of recreation are developing, especially soccer.

In 2001 a total of 4,555 foreign visitors arrived in Kiribati, of which over half were from East Asia. In 2002 there were 162 hotel rooms.