How do these flat countries level up?
When people think of civilization, their minds often conjure images of cities and vast landscapes that form part of entire countries and territories. But one lesser-known nation goes against this convention: the Republic of Kiribati. This unique place stands as a testament to culture and what it takes to live while surrounded by the vast expanse of the ocean.
Intrigued? Click through this gallery and join us as we take a closer look at this cultural, environmental, and historical paradise.
Kiribati is an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, consisting of 33 atolls (ring-shaped islands) and reef islands that are spread over 1.4 million sq miles (3.5 million sq km) of ocean. Only about 130,000 people live in Kiribati.
Despite its vast maritime area, Kiribati’s total land area is only about 313 sq miles (811 sq km), which makes it one of the smallest countries in the world.
The islands were created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. As dozens of volcanoes erupted in the ocean, deposits of ash and magma cooled and created the general shape of the islands. But time caused the volcanoes to collapse inward and sink beneath sea level, while coral continued to grow upward. This is what created the unique ring shape of the atolls.
The country’s islands are divided into three groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Line Islands, and the Phoenix Islands. All of the atolls are spread out over the area where the equator and the International Date Line meet, making it the only country in the world that exists in all four hemispheres.
These islands make up most of the nation of Kiribati. Indeed, the country’s capital city of Tarawa is located on one of the atolls in this group, where more than 50% of the nation’s population resides.
The Line Islands are made up of 11 atolls, but only eight of them belong to Kiribati. The remaining three are territories of the United States. Interestingly, there is a 12th unconfirmed atoll that is shown on some maps, but the existence of the island is heavily disputed.
Also known as Rawaki, the Phoenix Islands consist of eight atolls that lie west of the Line Islands and east of the Gilbert Islands. All but one of the atolls in this group are actually uninhabited and form part of the third largest marine protected area in the world.
The International Date Line–which is the line that divides the western and eastern hemispheres, and also separates one calendar day from the next–used to cut the nation of Kiribati in half. This changed in 1995, when the country unilaterally moved the line far to the east, which is why the line in this area has such a strange shape!
Records show that the islands were once occupied by Austronesian people sometime around 3000 BCE. The islands were a central location for many voyagers from Samoa and Fiji, which resulted in a mixing of cultures.
Kiribati used to be a colony of the United Kingdom before it gained independence on July 12, 1979. Before independence, it was known as the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony, the flag of which is pictured here.
The official languages of Kiribati are Gilbertese (also known as I-Kiribati) and English. Gilbertese is widely spoken as the local dialect, while English is used in government and education.
Much of Kiribati’s population lives off the economic value of subsistence farming and fishing. Although the islands contain coconut and breadfruit trees, agriculture faces significant challenges due to poor soil quality and limited freshwater.
Traditional fishing techniques on the islands use canoes and nets, but recent years have seen residents of Kiribati turn to more modern methods. Fish is a staple in the diet and a key part of the nation’s economy.
The Republic of Kiribati is considered one of the least developed countries in the world, owing to its size and limited resources. The country’s official currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), which has been in use since 1943.
Education in Kiribati is free and compulsory for children between the ages of six and 14. But while the primary school system is very well-attended, secondary and higher education faces challenges due to financial pressures.
Traditional Kiribati housing (known as "buia" or “maneaba”) is typically constructed from locally sourced materials like pandanus leaves and wood, although modern concrete homes are becoming more common in urban areas.
The development of the nation’s overall infrastructure is ongoing, with efforts to improve roads, water supply, and sanitation. But these efforts have been made difficult by climate issues in recent years, particularly a major drought that hit the islands in 2022 and caused a state of emergency.
The country is home to diverse marine life, including various species of fish, corals, and sea birds. The Phoenix Islands Protected Area is made up of many atolls that contain thousands of unique species.
Transportation between the islands is primarily by boat, with a few domestic flights connecting major atolls. South Tarawa has the only international airport in all of the atolls, named Bonriki International Airport.
Due to the isolated location of the atolls and islands, internet and telecommunications services are very limited and expensive, particularly on outer islands. However, recent years have seen the rapid increase of mobile phone usage, thanks to satellite technology.
Christianity is the predominant religion of the nation, with the largest denominations being made up of the Roman Catholic Church and the Kiribati Uniting Church. But despite these religious positions, traditional beliefs also influence cultural practices.
As a way of addressing major environmental concerns, Kiribati is investing in renewable energy sources (such as solar power) to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, all of which are imported and have effects on the country’s economy and wildlife.
Kiribati’s tourism sector is steadily growing, thanks largely to its pristine beaches, world-class diving spots, and the unique cultural heritage of the islands.
Kiribati culture is rich in traditions, with a strong emphasis on community, family, and respect for elders. Traditional dances, music, and crafts are also integral parts of daily life. In fact, much of the nation’s culture and endurance depends on the continuation of storytelling rather than entertainment.
Kiribati athletes participate in regional and international competitions, including the Pacific Games and the Olympics, with traditional sports like canoe racing also being popular locally. The most popular sport is soccer, and the country even has its own stadium that can hold 2,500 people.
Kiribati art includes intricate weaving, wood carving, and the creation of traditional clothing and accessories, which are often used in cultural ceremonies and daily life.
Many people migrate from Kiribati for better opportunities, particularly to New Zealand and Australia. With their migration, they often send remittances back home, which support the local economy.
Due to its location, Kiribati faces many significant environmental challenges, including coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and the impacts of climate change, particularly with rising sea levels. Much of the country’s resources are spent on trying to maintain its unique cultural heritage in the face of globalization.
Sources: (FOCUS on Geography) (WorldAtlas) (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
The only country located in all four hemispheres
The enchanting island nation is worth exploring
TRAVEL Nations
When people think of civilization, their minds often conjure images of cities and vast landscapes that form part of entire countries and territories. But one lesser-known nation goes against this convention: the Republic of Kiribati. This unique place stands as a testament to culture and what it takes to live while surrounded by the vast expanse of the ocean.
Intrigued? Click through this gallery and join us as we take a closer look at this cultural, environmental, and historical paradise.