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COUNTRY INFORMATION - KIRIBATI

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Location Of Kiribati
Kiribati (pronounced & #8216;Kiribass’, formerly the Gilbert Islands) consists of three groups in the central Pacific: Kiribati (including Banaba, formerly Ocean Island); the Line Islands; and the Phoenix Islands. The 33 islands, scattered across 2 million square miles of the central Pacific, are low-lying coral atolls with coastal lagoons. The exception is Banaba, which is a coral formation rising to 265ft. The soil is generally poor, apart from Banaba, and rainfall is variable. Coconut palms and pandanus trees comprise the main vegetation. There are no hills or streams throughout the group. Water is obtained from storage tanks or wells.

Airports
Tarawa international airport lies 7 miles north-east of Bikenibeu. Buses operate every 3 to 4 minutes from the airport to the capital. Other airports include the Christmas Island.

Language
Kiribati and English are both the official languages of Kiribati.

Places To Go
Kiribati is remote and tourism is very much in its infancy. However, after Kiribati changed the International Dateline to make its uninhabited Caroline Island the & #8216;first to see the year 2000’ (causing hefty arguments with neighbouring & #8216;first-dawn’ contenders Fiji and Tonga in the process), the country has moved further into the tourist spotlight. The islands boast superb white sandy beaches and crystal-clear lagoon waters. There are excellent facilities for snorkelling and deep-sea fishing. It is also possible to charter boats for sailing across the Tarawa Lagoon.

The capital of Kiribati, Tarawa is fast becoming one of the most densely populated areas in the Pacific, being similar in density to Hong Kong. The President’s Office, Parliament building and International Airport are all situated on Bonriki. A number of war relics can be seen on Betio and visits to World War II battlegrounds and natural history expeditions can be organised.

Stretching for almost half the landmass of Kiribati, Christmas Island is covered in lakes and ponds and boasts some of the largest colonies of birds. Trips with studies of the local birdlife are available. The main towns are London, Paris and Banana. Game fishing is extremely popular on the island.

There are also trips to see outrigger canoe races and dancing contests. Visitors are always welcome in the maneaba, a traditional community meeting house, where they may enjoy traditional dancing, singing and storytelling & #8211; local culture is still the dominant influence in these islands. A fine way to get the whole picture of Kiribati is to take a & #8216;flight-seeing’ trip on board frighteningly small planes. Tours take in the islands of Abaiang, Abemama, Maiana and Tarawa & #8211; other islands can be visited on request.

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism
PO Box 510,
Betio,
Tarawa,
Republic of Kiribati
Tel: 26157/8.
Fax: 26233.
E-mail: commerce@tskl.net.ki

Honorary Consulate of Kiribati
The Great House,
Llanddewi Rhydderch,
Monmouthshire
NP7 9UY,
UK
Tel/Fax: (01873) 840 375.
E-mail: rotee.walsh@lineone.net
Visas issued by appointment only.

British High Commission
PO Box 5,
Bairiki,
Tarawa,
Republic of Kiribati
Tel: 22501 or 30199 (24 hour consular helpline).
Fax: 22505.
E-mail: ukrep@tskl.net.kior britainkiribati@tskl.net.ki (tourist/information enquries).

CIA World Factbook - Kiribati 

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