Kiribati

Population facts The population of this Oceanian country is somewhere in the region of 116,398 people. The majority of Kiribati's inhabitants reside in Betio which is the country's most populous city. Kiribati has a low population when compared to most other countries across the world, its overall population density is approximately 138 people per sq km. The estimated population of Oceania (region) is approximately 39,331,000 inhabitants, making it the continent with the smallest population in the world (excluding Antarctica). The continents in order of population, starting with highest population first, are: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia (Oceania Region) and Antarctica. The total population of the entire world is in excess of 7.6 billion people.

Capital & major cities Kiribati's capital city is called Tarawa. The names of other major cities situated in this country are Betio Village, Bikenibeu Village, Teaoraereke Village, Bairiki Village and Eita Village.

National symbol(s): frigatebird

National colors: red, white, blue and yellow

National Anthem/Song: Teirake kaini Kiribati (Translation: Stand Up, Kiribati)

National Holiday(s): Independence Day, 12 July (1979)

National Motto(s): Te mauri, te raoi ao te tabomoa (Translation: Health, Peace and Prosperity)

Map of Kiribati

Geography

Kiribati forms part of the continent of Oceania (region), it is classed as an island country and is situated in the Pacific Ocean in Northern Oceania (region). There are seven continents in the world: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania). Australia (plus Oceania) is the world's smallest continent, it has 14 countries, occupies a total area of 9,008,500 km2 and forms 5.9% of the landmass of the world. Oceania is a geographical region that includes the continent of Australia. The continent of Australia comprises of mainland Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, New Britain, and numerous small adjacent islands. New Zealand is not located on the continent of Australia. However, Australasia is a region of Oceania that includes New Zealand, Australia and Melanesia. Many of the Pacific island countries are located in subregions of Oceania. The subregions are defined as Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia. Kiribati is an island country that encompasses a total area of approximately 726 km2. It is a small island country formed of a series of coral atoll islands (coral reefs).

The following details provide a guide to Kiribati's approximate border lengths:
Coastline 1,143 km.

Climate

Kiribati has a hot, humid, tropical climate that is moderated by trade winds. The geography of Kiribati is formed of an archipelego of 33 islands, of which 21 are inhabited. The islands are formed mainly of coral atolls and reefs. Ocean Island, also known as Banaba Island, can be described as a one of the great phosphate rock island of the Pacific. The others are Makatea in French Polynesia and Nauru. The lowest point of Kiribati is the Pacific Ocean at 0m, and the highest point of elevation is unnamed elevation on Banaba at 81m.

Culture

The official languages of Kiribati are Kiribati (Gilbertese) and English, which are spoken by the majority of the population.

The primary religion of Kiribati is Roman Catholic at approximately 57% of the population. Around 31% are Kiribati Uniting Church and 5% Mormon. The rest of the population either belongs to other religions or no religion at all.

Economy

Natural resources are materials and substances that can be found occurring naturally on Earth. Natural resources are very important across the world, and can be exploited for economic gain. The level of resources that occur naturally in an individual country are influenced by varying factors such as the geography, climate and location of that country. Some countries are very rich in natural resources, where as others have limited to none. Countries that have particularly rich resources include Russia, The United States, Saudi Arabia and Canada. Food, transport and construction are three of the primary uses of natural resources. For example, fish is a naturally occurring resource that can be caught for food consumption. Crude oils can be refined into different types of fuels in order to power vehicles/cars. Wood/timber from forests can be used to build homes and furniture. The natural resources of Kiribati include phosphate, coconuts and fish.

The flag

Each country across the world has its own unique culture, history and identity. Flags, emblems, symbols, colors, mottos, anthems and songs are used to symbolize the pride and individuality of a nation. These national symbols are formed through the unique history of a nation and are symbolic of both hardship and prosperity, embodying freedom, strength and unity. Flags, emblems, songs, mottos and colors reflect the past, present and future hopes of a country, and create an important image to the rest of the world. National symbols can represent a combination of things that are important to a country such as birds, animals, plants, geographical features, tools of agriculture, crops, and tools of war. The following facts depict some of the national symbols, songs and colors that are important to Kiribati: