Kiribati
Updated: Sep 30, 2022
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Country Name
Kiribati or officially The Republic of Kiribati.
Location
It is located in the tropical central Pacific Ocean, consisting mainly of about 32 islets. Kiribati does not share land borders. The neighboring islands include Fiji, Nauru, The Marshall Islands, Samoa, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and Tonga.
Capital
South of Tarawa.
Reason For Naming
This name derives from the main archipelago that forms the nation. It was named the Gilbert Islands after the British explorer Thomas Gilbert. He sighted many of the islands in 1788 while mapping out the Outer Passage route from Port Jackson to Canton.
Flag
The Kiribati flag was adopted on July 12, 1979.
The flag of Kiribati is composed of six ripples in blue and white colors, yellow sun, and a flying frigate. All this is placed on a red background.
The white & blue waves represent the Pacific Ocean, as well as reference the three island groups; Phoenix, Gilbert, and the Line Islands.
The sun includes 17 rays which represent the former Ocean Island of
Banaba as well as the sixteen Gilbert Islands.
The frigatebird is a seabird species native to tropical and subtropical ocean environments. Its presence on the flag is thought to represent naval strength and power.
Language
The people of Kiribati speak an Oceanic language called Gilbertese. Although English is also an official language, it is not used very often outside the island capital of Tarawa. I-Kiribati is also The main language there.
Religion
Christianity is the major religion in Kiribati, having been introduced by missionaries in the 19th century. The Baha'i Faith religion also exists in Kiribati, along with Jehovah's Witnesses.
Currency
Kiribati Dollar
Australian Dollar (AUD).
Time Zone
+12:00 UTC (Gilbert Island Time)
+13:00 UTC (Phoenix Island Time)
+14:00 UTC (Line Islands Time.)
Government Regime
Parliamentary republic.
Climate
Due to its location, Kiribati exhibits a maritime climate. Temperatures range between 26-32 °C (79-90 °F) year-round, with the water temperature set on a comfortable year-round at 28-29 °C (82-84 °F).