Kiribati

Introduction

Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, is a unique blend of culture, history, and environmental challenges. The Gilbert Islands, which form the backbone of Kiribati, were established as a British protectorate in 1892 and later became a colony in 1915. The islands experienced significant turmoil during World War II, being captured by Japanese forces in 1941 and subsequently retaken by the United States in 1943. Following a period of self-governance granted by the United Kingdom in 1971, Kiribati achieved full independence in 1979. Since then, it has actively participated in international forums, particularly in the fight against climate change, which poses a significant threat to its low-lying atolls. Kiribati joined the United Nations in 1999, marking its commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development.

Neighboring countries

Australia - Fiji - Japan - Nauru - New Zealand - Marshall Islands

Geography

Area
Total: 811 sq km
Land: 811 sq km
Water: 0 sq km

Kiribati is an archipelago consisting of 33 islands, spread over a vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. The total land area is 811 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in the world by landmass. The islands are characterized by their low elevation, with the highest point being just a few meters above sea level, which renders them particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels. The climate is tropical and marine, characterized by hot and humid conditions that are moderated by trade winds. The natural resources of Kiribati are limited, primarily consisting of coconuts (copra) and fish, with phosphate mining having ceased in 1979. The unique geography of Kiribati, with its scattered islands, presents both challenges and opportunities for development and sustainability.

People and Society

Population
Total: 116,545 (2024 estimated)

Ethnic groups
I-Kiribati 95.78%, I-Kiribati/mixed 3.8%, Tuvaluan 0.2%, other 1.7% (2020 estimated)

Languages
Gilbertese, English (official)

Religions
Roman Catholic 58.9%, Kiribati Uniting Church 21.2%, Kiribati Protestant Church 8.4%, Church of Jesus Christ 5.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.1%, Baha'i 2.1%, other 1.7% (2020 estimated)

Population growth rate
1% (2024 estimated)

The population of Kiribati is estimated at 116,545 in 2024, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 1%. The society is predominantly composed of the I-Kiribati ethnic group, which makes up 95.78% of the population, with a small percentage of mixed heritage and other ethnicities. The official languages are Gilbertese and English, facilitating communication within the diverse communities. The religious landscape is predominantly Roman Catholic, followed by various Protestant denominations, indicating a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual beliefs. This demographic composition presents both opportunities for cultural preservation and challenges in terms of social cohesion and economic development, particularly in the face of environmental threats.

Government

Government type
Presidential republic

Capital
Name: Tarawa

Executive branch
Chief of state: President Taneti MAAMAU (since 11 March 2016)
Head of government: President Taneti MAAMAU (since 11 March 2016)

Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Teburoro TITO (since 24 January 2018); note - also Permanent Representative to the UN

Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Marie DAMOUR (since 6 December 2022); note - Ambassador DAMOUR is based in the US Embassy in the Republic of Fiji and is accredited to Kiribati as well as Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu

Kiribati operates as a presidential republic, with the President serving as both the head of state and head of government. The capital city, Tarawa, is the political and administrative center of the nation. President Taneti MAAMAU has been in office since March 11, 2016, leading the country through various challenges, including environmental issues and economic development. Kiribati maintains diplomatic relations with several countries, including the United States, which is represented by Ambassador Marie DAMOUR, who is also accredited to other Pacific nations. The governance structure reflects the country's commitment to democratic principles while navigating the complexities of its unique geopolitical landscape.

Economy

Economic overview
Lower-middle income, Pacific island economy; environmentally fragile; sizable remittances; key phosphate mining fund; tourism and fishing industries; public sector-dominated economy; recent withdrawal from Pacific Islands Forum; ongoing constitutional crisis

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$438.143 million (2024 estimated)
$416.221 million (2023 estimated)
$405.468 million (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$3,300 (2024 estimated)
$3,100 (2023 estimated)
$3,100 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$17.099 million (2023 estimated)
$20.58 million (2022 estimated)
$10.754 million (2021 estimated)

Exports - partners
Thailand 85%, Japan 6%, Philippines 3%, UAE 2%, Fiji 1% (2023)

Exports - commodities
Fish, coconut oil (2023)

Imports
$293.624 million (2023 estimated)
$272.004 million (2022 estimated)
$201.984 million (2021 estimated)

Imports - partners
China 24%, Australia 20%, Fiji 15%, Japan 7%, NZ 6% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Ships, centrifuges, refined petroleum, rice, raw sugar (2023)

The economy of Kiribati is classified as lower-middle income, characterized by its vulnerability to environmental changes and reliance on external remittances. The nation’s economic activities are largely dominated by the public sector, with significant contributions from tourism and fishing industries. The real GDP, measured in purchasing power parity, is estimated at $438.143 million for 2024, with a per capita GDP of $3,300. Exports are modest, totaling $17.099 million in 2023, primarily consisting of fish and coconut oil, with Thailand being the largest trading partner. Conversely, imports significantly exceed exports, amounting to $293.624 million in 2023, with China and Australia being the primary sources. The economy faces ongoing challenges, including a recent withdrawal from the Pacific Islands Forum and a constitutional crisis, which may impact its development trajectory and international relations.

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.644, ranking it 140th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)