Kiribati
Region
🌍 Oceania
Population
👥 120
Currency
💱 Australian dollar
Languages
🗣️ English, Gilbertese
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Official NameSource: REST Countries
Independent and Sovereign Republic of Kiribati
Continent
Oceania
DemonymSource: REST Countries
I-Kiribati
Independence
July 12, 1979 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.ki
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+686
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+12:00, UTC+13:00, UTC+14:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
South Tarawa
ISO Alpha-2
KI
ISO Alpha-3
KIR
UN Code
296
Geographic Coordinates
1.41666666,173
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
811#191 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
120,740#193 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
163.62
Highest Point (m)
81 meters (on Banaba Island)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (sea level)
Land Use
Agricultural land: 50.8%; Forest: 15.6%; Other: 33.6% (2018 estimate)
Irrigated Land
Data unavailable.
Coastline Length
1,143 km
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; moderated by trade winds; rainfall is heavy in the west, moderate in the east, and is often affected by El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events.
Natural Resources
Phosphates (currently not exploited), coconuts, fish.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This island nation has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This island nation has no major lakes.
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
3 islands groups: Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, and Phoenix Islands.
Legal System
Based on English common law, with customary law influence.
Chief of State
President Taneti Maamau
Head of Government
President Taneti Maamau
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the President.
Elections
President elected by popular vote; last held in April 2020.
Judicial Branch
High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Courts.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Maneaba ni Maungatabu (House of Assembly)
Major Political Parties
Tobwaan Kiribati Party (TKP), Boutokaan Te Koaua (BTK), and independents.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Australian dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.35#207 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.54#196 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2,558.67#167 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
23.17
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
11.78
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
70.28
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
2.46#109 of 191
Labor Force (people)
Around 25,000 people (2020 est.)
Unemployment Rate (%)
Approximately 20% (2018 est.)
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Data is limited, but public debt is a concern.
Budget
Data on the annual budget can be found through official government sources.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.02#192 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.33#188 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves can be found through financial reports.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found through online financial services.
GDP by Sector
Primarily services, fishing, and copra production.
Major Industries
Fishing, copra, tourism, and handicrafts.
Major Export Partners
Fiji, Thailand, and the United States.
Major Import Partners
Australia, Fiji, and Japan.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2020)Checked September 29, 2026
98.61#37 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
25.3
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.1
Net Migration Rate
Data on net migration fluctuates; consult recent reports.
Median Age
Approximately 24 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
63.39#113 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization is relatively slow.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
66.6#177 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Prevalence is low, data available through WHO and other sources.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
10.95
Ethnic Groups
Mostly I-Kiribati (Micronesian).
Religions
Predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholic and Protestant denominations.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Gilbertese
Education
Education System
The education system in Kiribati is structured in primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, with primary education being compulsory.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2008)Checked September 29, 2026
11.8
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is a significant portion of the budget, but faces challenges due to economic constraints.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The University of the South Pacific, Kiribati Campus.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Kiribati culture is strongly influenced by its Polynesian heritage, with emphasis on community, family, and traditional practices.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- International Women's Day (2026-03-08)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Health Day (2026-04-07)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Police Day (2026-06-20)
- Gospel Day (2026-07-10)
- National Culture and Senior Citizens Day (2026-07-11)
- National Day (2026-07-12)
- Special Day (2026-07-13)
- National Youth Dayy (2026-08-07)
Popular Music
Popular music includes local Kiribati music and imported genres such as pop and reggae.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include seafood, coconut, breadfruit, and pandanus.
Sports
Sports include football (soccer), volleyball, and traditional Kiribati games.
Major Festivals
Festivals often celebrate cultural traditions with singing, dancing, and feasting.
Famous People
Information is limited due to the size of the population.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Kiribati has cultural sites, although there are no UNESCO sites.
UNESCO Sites
None.
Annual Tourist Visits
Relatively low number of annual visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is small but growing.
Top Tourist Attractions
World War II sites, beaches, diving, and fishing.
Famous Cities
Tarawa is the most populated area.
National Parks
Limited national parks.
Protected Areas
Protected marine areas exist.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visas may be required, check entry requirements.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Check advisories for potential risks.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality index varies; consult recent global health reports.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service.
Number of Hospitals
Limited number of hospitals and clinics.
Universal Healthcare
Kiribati has a public healthcare system, with limited resources and facing challenges due to its island geography and economic constraints.
Medical Services Overview
Limited medical services are available, with referrals for serious conditions.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is available, but limited due to the country's geography.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
992
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
Unknown
Emergency Number (Fire)
Unknown
Crime Rate
Low crime rates overall.
Safety Index
High safety index.
Military Expenditure
Minimal military expenditure.
Emergency Services Overview
Limited emergency services, mainly concentrated on Tarawa.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
No standing military; defense provided by Australia and New Zealand.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Variable access, higher in urban areas; significant reliance on generators.
Water Access
Access to potable water is a challenge; rainwater harvesting is common.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is variable; pit latrines are common.
Railways
None.
Roadways
Limited roadways, primarily on Tarawa. Mostly unpaved.
Transportation System
Transportation mainly relies on boats for inter-island travel, with limited road infrastructure.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Bonriki International Airport (TRW), Cassidy International Airport (CXI), Canton Island Airport (CIS), Tabiteuea North Airport (TBF)
Ports
Betio Port is the main port.
Public Transit
Limited public transit, mainly buses on Tarawa.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
89.44#66 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Over 80.
Tech Startups
Very few.
Innovation Index
Low.
ICT Development Index
Low.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited TV stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited radio stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.59#154 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data is limited; generally considered good due to low industrialization.
Water Pollution Level
Concerns exist; coastal areas vulnerable to pollution from waste and climate change.
Renewable Energy Usage
Significant potential for solar energy; efforts to increase renewable energy sources.
Environmental Issues
Climate change, sea level rise, coastal erosion, water scarcity, and pollution are major concerns.
Natural Hazards
Cyclones, droughts, and tsunamis.
Waste Management
Inadequate; limited infrastructure, reliance on open dumping, and challenges posed by remoteness.
Environmental Agreements
Party to various agreements related to climate change, biodiversity, and pollution.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in several countries, including Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth
Major Treaties
Part of the Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, and other international environmental treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Kiribati passport holders can travel visa-free to a number of countries, primarily within the Pacific region.