“Kiribati is for travellers, not tourists”

-Republic of Kiribati Slogan

The geography

The nation of Kiribati (pronounced “Ki-ree-buss”) is comprised of 32 atolls and one island; the vast geography spans all hour hemispheres. It also spans the time zones- UTC +12, +13, and +14 – making it the first country to welcome each new day.

The people

The I-Kiribati, the indigenous people of Kiribati, are known for their strong community ties and maritime skills, reflecting their deep connection with the ocean that surrounds their islands.

Kiribati by the numbers

1,701.97
GDP per Capita
*Data from the World Bank (2022)
131,232
Population
1
Banking institution

The economy

Kiribati is on the United Nations’ list of Least Developed Countries, (low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development). The country is considered highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks, particularly due to the threat of climate change and rising ocean levels.