Brief History

Kiribati is an island country in the central Pacific Ocean. The first settlers of Kiribati came from Southeast Asia around 1000 A.D. Fijians and Tongans arrived in Kiribati during the 1300s and merged with the older groups to form the I-Kiribati Micronesian society and culture. Europeans arrived on the islands during the 1500s. The British began to arrive in larger numbers during the 1800s, introducing diseases to Kiribati and causing conflict.  Britain took control of the islands in 1892, and Kiribati became an official British colony in 1912 (at the time Kiribati was called the Gilbert Islands). Japan gained control of some of the islands, including an atoll called Tarawa, during World War II. In November 1943, Tarawa was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in U.S. Marine history. Kiribati became an independent nation on July 12th, 1979.

National Flag

The national flag of Kiribati was officially adopted on January 12th, 1979. The flag is red on the upper half with a gold frigatebird over a gold rising sun. The lower half of the flag is made up of blue and white wavy stripes that represent the ocean.

Geography

Kiribati is located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is made up of 32 very low-lying coral atolls and one island. Kiribati’s topography is very flat. The islands are surrounded by large coral reefs.

World Land Mass Ranking: 186th

Highest Mountain: No mountains

Longest River: No rivers

Main Languages

English, Gilbertese

Kiribati Population: 125,000 (as of 2023)

Capital City: Tarawa

Capital City Population: 119,000 (as of 2023

Climate

Kiribati has a tropical climate and is hot and humid year-round. The average temperature in Kiribati is 28 degrees Celcius (84 degrees Fahrenheit). In the capital city Tarawa, the average annual rainfall is about 2,100 mm.

Key People

Anote Tong

Nooa Takooa

Kaingaue David

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  Cuisine

  Since Kiribati is an island nation, I-Kiribati cuisine is based on rice and fish. Seafood commonly eaten in Kiribati includes yellowfin, lobster, shrimp, tuna, and crabs. Pulusami (wrapped bundles of taro leaves with a coconut and onion filling) is the national dish of Kiribati. Coconut, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, and bananas are the main crops grown in Kiribati.

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  Sports

  Football (soccer) is very popular in Kiribati. Their national football team is a part of the Oceania Football Confederation. Other popular sports in Kiribati include volleyball, table tennis, basketball, athletics, and table tennis. In 2014 in Glasgow, Kiribati won its first-ever Commonwealth Games medal when weightlifter David Katoatau won gold.

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  Culture

  Although Kiribati is a small country, it has a rich culture focused on family, religion, and the sea. Traditional music and dance are an integral part of I-Kiribati culture. Kiribati folk music incorporates chanting and body percussion. Literature, martial arts, and traditional celebrations are also important parts of I-Kiribati culture.