Kiribati Map | HD Political Map of Kiribati

Kiribati is a tiny island nation situated in the central Pacific Ocean. It consists of 33 coral atolls and islands, spread across an area of over 3.5 million square kilometers. The name Kiribati comes from the Gilbertese language, which is the official language of the country.

History:

The history of Kiribati dates back thousands of years when the islands were first settled by Micronesian people. Later on, in the 19th century, the islands were colonized by the British, who named them the Gilbert Islands. Kiribati secured independence in the year 1979. Since then, the country has struggled with a variety of issues, including overpopulation, economic instability, and environmental challenges such as rising sea levels.

Culture:

The culture of Kiribati is deeply rooted in the traditional practices of its people. Music, dance, and storytelling are important parts of Kiribati culture, and traditional instruments such as the Te Kawau (a type of wooden trumpet) and the Bote (a type of drum) are still used today. The traditional dance of Kiribati is called the Tamure, which involves graceful movements and intricate hand gestures. The national sport of Kiribati is the canoe race, which involves teams of six paddlers competing in traditional outrigger canoes.

Language:

The primary language of Kiribati is Gilbertese, which is a Micronesian language. English is also widely spoken, especially in schools and in government and business settings. Kiribati is one of the few countries in the world that uses a unique time zone.

Geography:

The geography of Kiribati has influenced the way of life of its people. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs, which provide a rich source of fish and other seafood. Coconut palms are also an important part of the landscape, and the fruit and oil from coconuts are used in a variety of ways, including as food and as a source of fuel for cooking and lighting. The traditional houses of Kiribati, called maneabas, are made from woven coconut leaves and are designed to be cool and airy in the hot tropical climate.

FAQs

Q1: What is the climate like in Kiribati?

The country experiences two distinct seasons: a wet season from the month of November to April and a dry season from the month of May to October. The islands are also at risk of extreme weather events such as cyclones and storm surges.

Q2: What is the economy of Kiribati based on?

The economy of Kiribati is primarily based on subsistence farming and fishing. Copra, the dried meat of coconuts, is one of the main exports. Tourism and the sale of fishing licenses to foreign vessels also contribute to the economy.

Q3: What is the population of Kiribati?

The population of Kiribati is estimated to be around 120,000 people. The majority of the population lives on the capital island of South Tarawa, which is home to over 50,000 people.

Q4: What are the environmental challenges facing Kiribati?

Kiribati is particularly vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. The low-lying islands are at risk of being submerged, and erosion and saltwater intrusion have already caused damage to crops and freshwater supplies.