10 fun and interesting Kiribati facts

1. 32 Atolls and 1 Island Nation

The beautiful island nation of Kiribati is located in the central Pacific Ocean and is made up of 32 atolls and one raised coral island. Its capital, South Tarawa, is located on the atoll of Tarawa and is home to around half of the country's population. South Tarawa is a bustling city with a vibrant culture and a unique mix of traditional and modern architecture. It is also the political and economic center of the country, and is home to the President's Office, the National Parliament, and the Supreme Court.

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2. A Beautiful and Unique Destination

Kiribati is an archipelago of 33 islands that span the equator, and have a long and tumultuous history. During the Cold War, the islands were used as a testing ground for nuclear weapons, leaving a lasting impact on the environment and the people of Kiribati. Despite this, the islands remain a beautiful and unique destination, with stunning beaches, lush jungles, and a vibrant culture.

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3. Kiribati's Flag is Striking and Meaningful

The flag of Kiribati is a striking combination of blue and red, with a yellow frigate bird soaring over a yellow rising sun. The lower half of the flag is a deep blue, representing the vast ocean that surrounds the island nation, with three wavy horizontal white stripes symbolizing the waves of the sea. The upper half of the flag is a vibrant red, with a yellow frigate bird in flight, signifying the nation's independence and freedom, and a yellow rising sun, representing the dawn of a new era. Together, these elements create a powerful and meaningful representation of the nation of Kiribati.

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4. The Island Nation with Two Languages

Kiribati is an island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean, and is home to two main languages: English and Gilbertese. English is the official language of the country, and is used in government, education, and business. Gilbertese, also known as Kiribati, is the native language of the islands and is spoken by the majority of the population. It is an Austronesian language, and is closely related to other languages in the region, such as Tuvaluan and Marshallese.

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5. Kiribati celebrates 1995 International Date Line move

January 1, 1995 is a legendary date in Kiribati, as it was the day the country unilaterally moved the International Date Line from the middle of the country to include its easternmost islands. This meant that the entire country was now on the same day, regardless of their location. This was a monumental decision for the country, as it allowed for a unified sense of time and date throughout the nation. It was a momentous occasion for the people of Kiribati, and one that will be remembered for years to come.

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6. Kiribati achieves independence from the British

Kiribati achieved independence from the British in 1979, after being granted self-rule in 1971. This small island nation, located in the central Pacific Ocean, became a member of the United Nations in 1999, and is now home to over 110,000 people. With its unique culture and stunning natural beauty, Kiribati is a fascinating destination for travelers and a proud member of the international community.

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7. 32 atolls and one raised coral island

Kiribati is an island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean, made up of 32 atolls and one raised coral island, Banaba Island, also known as Ocean Island. Banaba Island is the only island in the nation that is not made up of atolls and reefs, but is instead a raised coral island. It is the largest island in the nation, and is home to a population of around 3,000 people.

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8. Kiribati Economy Driven by Copra, Seaweed, Fish, and Coconuts

Kiribati is a small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, and its economy is heavily reliant on the export of copra, seaweed, fish, and coconuts, which make up 62% of its exports. Additionally, the local economy is sustained by subsistence farming and fishing. To support its economy, Kiribati imports machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, miscellaneous manufactured goods, and fuel.

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9. Kiribati Uses Australian Dollar As Official Currency

Kiribati, a small island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, uses the Australian dollar as its official currency. This is due to the close economic ties between the two countries, with Australia providing a significant amount of aid to Kiribati. The Australian dollar is widely accepted in Kiribati, and is used for all transactions, including imports and exports. The Australian dollar is also the currency of choice for tourists visiting the country.

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10. Christianity is the dominant religion

The people of Kiribati are predominantly Christian, with the majority of the population identifying as either Catholic or Protestant. Christianity has been a major part of the culture of Kiribati since the 19th century, when missionaries from Europe first arrived in the islands. Today, the Catholic Church is the largest denomination in Kiribati, with over half of the population identifying as Catholic. Protestantism is also widely practiced, with a significant portion of the population belonging to various Protestant denominations.