Oceania · Micronesia
Kiribati
Independent and Sovereign Republic of Kiribati
🏛️ Capital
South Tarawa
👥 Population
120,740
📐 Area
811 km²
💱 Currency
Australian dollar ($), Kiribati dollar ($)
🗣️ Languages
English, Gilbertese
📞 Calling Code
+686
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+12:00, UTC+13:00, UTC+14:00
🌐 Region
Oceania / Micronesia
About Kiribati
Kiribati is one of the world's most remote and extraordinary destinations — a nation of 33 low-lying atolls and reef islands scattered across an immense sweep of the central Pacific Ocean. Straddling both the equator and the International Date Line, this tiny island republic spans a maritime territory larger than the contiguous United States, yet its total land area amounts to just over 800 square kilometres. Coming here is a genuine act of exploration, and the journey itself is part of the experience.
You will find no luxury resorts or tourist infrastructure to speak of — instead, Kiribati offers something far rarer: absolute authenticity. The I-Kiribati people live largely as their ancestors did, fishing the crystal lagoons by outrigger canoe, weaving pandanus mats in open-sided maneabas (meeting houses), and maintaining traditions that have endured for millennia. The atolls are fringed by some of the most pristine coral reefs on the planet, teeming with marine life that has never seen a snorkeller.
Kiribati is also deeply significant as one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change — rising seas threaten the very existence of these islands, adding urgency and poignancy to any visit. Christmas Island (Kiritimati), the world's largest atoll, draws dedicated fly-fishermen in pursuit of trophy bonefish, while the Phoenix Islands Protected Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing one of the last near-pristine coral archipelagos on earth. Visiting Kiribati is not simply travel — it is a privilege.
You will find no luxury resorts or tourist infrastructure to speak of — instead, Kiribati offers something far rarer: absolute authenticity. The I-Kiribati people live largely as their ancestors did, fishing the crystal lagoons by outrigger canoe, weaving pandanus mats in open-sided maneabas (meeting houses), and maintaining traditions that have endured for millennia. The atolls are fringed by some of the most pristine coral reefs on the planet, teeming with marine life that has never seen a snorkeller.
Kiribati is also deeply significant as one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change — rising seas threaten the very existence of these islands, adding urgency and poignancy to any visit. Christmas Island (Kiritimati), the world's largest atoll, draws dedicated fly-fishermen in pursuit of trophy bonefish, while the Phoenix Islands Protected Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing one of the last near-pristine coral archipelagos on earth. Visiting Kiribati is not simply travel — it is a privilege.
History & Background
The islands of Kiribati have been inhabited for over three thousand years, first settled by Austronesian peoples who navigated the Pacific using extraordinary wayfinding skills. Later migrations brought Fijian and Tongan influences, shaping the distinct I-Kiribati language and culture. European contact came in the late 18th century, with whalers and traders arriving in growing numbers, followed by British missionaries and colonial administrators who declared the Gilbert and Ellice Islands a British protectorate in 1892.
The Second World War brought catastrophic violence to these remote atolls. The Battle of Tarawa in November 1943 was one of the bloodiest engagements in the Pacific War, with fierce fighting between Japanese and American forces leaving thousands dead in just 76 hours across the tiny island. Tarawa's red beaches and preserved wartime relics remain a haunting reminder of that conflict. Kiribati achieved independence on 12 July 1979, separating from the Ellice Islands (now Tuvalu), and has since navigated the challenges of extreme remoteness, limited resources, and mounting climate vulnerability.
The Second World War brought catastrophic violence to these remote atolls. The Battle of Tarawa in November 1943 was one of the bloodiest engagements in the Pacific War, with fierce fighting between Japanese and American forces leaving thousands dead in just 76 hours across the tiny island. Tarawa's red beaches and preserved wartime relics remain a haunting reminder of that conflict. Kiribati achieved independence on 12 July 1979, separating from the Ellice Islands (now Tuvalu), and has since navigated the challenges of extreme remoteness, limited resources, and mounting climate vulnerability.
Culture & People
The I-Kiribati culture is centred on community, oral tradition, and an intimate relationship with the ocean. The maneaba — the traditional meeting house — remains the social and ceremonial heart of every village, where disputes are settled, dances performed, and stories told. Communal decision-making through consensus, known as te katei ni Kiribati, governs village life and reflects a deeply cooperative worldview shaped by the demands of island living.
Traditional arts are rich and expressive. The ruoia — a rhythmic sitting dance performed at celebrations — requires years of learning and features intricate hand movements and synchronised footwork. Weaving, canoe-building, and fishing skills are passed down through generations with great care. Christianity, introduced by missionaries in the 19th century, now plays a central role in community life and is woven seamlessly into local customs. Visitors who approach with genuine curiosity and respect are often welcomed warmly into village gatherings and ceremonies.
Traditional arts are rich and expressive. The ruoia — a rhythmic sitting dance performed at celebrations — requires years of learning and features intricate hand movements and synchronised footwork. Weaving, canoe-building, and fishing skills are passed down through generations with great care. Christianity, introduced by missionaries in the 19th century, now plays a central role in community life and is woven seamlessly into local customs. Visitors who approach with genuine curiosity and respect are often welcomed warmly into village gatherings and ceremonies.
Food & Cuisine
Kiribati's traditional food culture is built almost entirely around the ocean and the coconut palm. Fresh fish — tuna, reef fish, and shellfish — forms the backbone of most meals, typically prepared by grilling over an open fire, steaming in coconut cream, or eating raw in the style of Pacific poke. Coconut features at every stage of the meal: the water drunk as a refreshing beverage, the flesh grated into sauces and puddings, and the fermented sap drunk as a mildly alcoholic toddy known as kamaimai.
Breadfruit, taro, and pandanus fruit supplement the island diet, and starchy puddings made from these staples are central to ceremonial feasts. On Tarawa, where South Tarawa has grown into a densely populated urban centre, small shops and Chinese-run restaurants offer a broader range of canned goods, rice-based dishes, and simple cooked meals. Imported foods have become increasingly common, though the freshest and most authentic eating experiences come from sharing a meal with a local family, where generosity and abundance are points of cultural pride.
Breadfruit, taro, and pandanus fruit supplement the island diet, and starchy puddings made from these staples are central to ceremonial feasts. On Tarawa, where South Tarawa has grown into a densely populated urban centre, small shops and Chinese-run restaurants offer a broader range of canned goods, rice-based dishes, and simple cooked meals. Imported foods have become increasingly common, though the freshest and most authentic eating experiences come from sharing a meal with a local family, where generosity and abundance are points of cultural pride.
Top Attractions
- Christmas Island (Kiritimati) — The world's largest atoll, famous for world-class bonefish flats and spectacular frigate bird colonies.
- Phoenix Islands Protected Area — UNESCO World Heritage marine reserve with pristine coral reefs and some of the Pacific's best diving.
- Battle of Tarawa Sites — Wartime relics, memorials, and rusted tanks at Betio mark one of WWII's most intense Pacific battles.
- Abaiang Atoll — A quieter outer Gilbert island with stunning lagoon swimming, traditional village life, and excellent snorkelling.
- Tarawa Lagoon — The vast, turquoise lagoon surrounding South Tarawa offers kayaking, fishing, and sunset boat rides.
Practical Travel Tips
- Book flights well in advance — Air Kiribati and Fiji Airways operate limited routes, and seats fill quickly during peak periods.
- Bring sufficient cash in Australian dollars; ATMs are unreliable outside South Tarawa and non-existent on outer islands.
- Pack all essential medications, reef-safe sunscreen, and personal toiletries — supplies are extremely limited beyond the capital.
- Respect local customs: dress modestly when visiting villages and always ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies.
- Carry a reef-safe snorkel kit — the coral gardens around outer atolls are exceptional and largely unexplored.
- Expect limited internet connectivity; use the opportunity to disconnect and engage fully with your surroundings.
Visa Overview
Most nationalities can obtain a visitor permit on arrival in Kiribati for stays up to 30 days, extendable to 3 months. A valid passport, onward ticket, and evidence of sufficient funds are required. Citizens of some nationalities may need to arrange a visa in advance through the nearest Kiribati diplomatic mission. Entry requirements can change with limited notice, so verify the latest regulations with the Kiribati Immigration Division or your country's foreign affairs department before travelling.
Getting Around
Kiribati's transport infrastructure is extremely limited. Bonriki International Airport in South Tarawa handles international flights via Fiji and the Marshall Islands. Air Kiribati operates small aircraft between islands, but schedules are irregular and subject to change. Within South Tarawa, minibuses and taxis run along the main road. Inter-island cargo ships provide the only transport to many outer atolls, with journeys sometimes taking days. Always build significant flexibility into your itinerary when travelling beyond the capital.
Safety Notes
Kiribati is generally safe, with violent crime rare in most islands. South Tarawa has experienced some petty theft, so keep valuables secured. Ocean currents around atolls can be extremely powerful — always seek local advice before swimming outside the lagoon. The sun is intense at the equator; wear high-SPF sunscreen and stay hydrated. Medical facilities are rudimentary, and serious health emergencies require evacuation to Fiji or Australia, so comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential.
Live Exchange Rates
Current exchange rates for currencies used in Kiribati.
Australian dollar (AUD) $
Updated: 2026-07-07
Australian dollar (AUD) $
Updated: 2026-07-07
| Currency Code | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1INCH | 9.693314 |
| AAVE | 0.007579 |
| ADA | 3.841699 |
| AED | 2.550413 |
| AFN | 44.180737 |
| AGIX | 9.113695 |
| AKT | 1.112882 |
| ALGO | 8.048402 |
| ALL | 57.083731 |
| AMD | 255.109708 |
| AMP | 1,570.318864 |
| ANG | 1.249424 |
| AOA | 637.162453 |
| APE | 5.122924 |
| APT | 1.120340 |
| AR | 0.347928 |
| ARB | 8.892286 |
| ARS | 1,031.781837 |
| ATOM | 0.435795 |
| ATS | 8.355292 |
| AVAX | 0.102262 |
| AWG | 1.243087 |
| AXS | 0.693796 |
| AZM | 5,902.928854 |
| AZN | 1.180586 |
| BAKE | 928.304984 |
| BAM | 1.187585 |
| BAT | 7.938296 |
| BBD | 1.388925 |
| BCH | 0.002916 |
| BDT | 85.485201 |
| BEF | 24.494497 |
| BGN | 1.187585 |
| BHD | 0.261118 |
| BIF | 2,065.810078 |
| BMD | 0.694462 |
| BNB | 0.001201 |
| BND | 0.897196 |
| BOB | 4.806628 |
| BRL | 3.568683 |
| BSD | 0.694462 |
| BSV | 0.049012 |
| BSW | 2,062.332225 |
| BTC | 0.000011 |
| BTCB | 13.230617 |
| BTG | 2.018050 |
| BTN | 66.211466 |
| BTT | 2,595,480.917254 |
| BUSD | 0.694263 |
| BWP | 9.365085 |
| BYN | 2.008466 |
| BYR | 13,615.275663 |
| BZD | 1.397166 |
| CAD | 0.987406 |
| CAKE | 0.486322 |
| CDF | 1,602.298068 |
| CELO | 9.797056 |
| CFX | 15.749339 |
| CHF | 0.559459 |
| CHZ | 39.040099 |
| CLP | 643.739203 |
| CNH | 4.719263 |
| CNY | 4.717761 |
| COMP | 0.040376 |
| COP | 2,330.444346 |
| CRC | 316.209711 |
| CRO | 11.996155 |
| CRV | 3.346178 |
| CSPR | 365.878490 |
| CUC | 0.694657 |
| CUP | 18.408409 |
| CVE | 66.956243 |
| CVX | 0.549530 |
| CYP | 0.355380 |
| CZK | 14.676475 |
| DAI | 0.694865 |
| DASH | 0.020004 |
| DCR | 0.063024 |
| DEM | 1.187585 |
| DFI | 948.679051 |
| DJF | 123.574144 |
| DKK | 4.538778 |
| DOGE | 9.258015 |
| DOP | 41.009793 |
| DOT | 0.809847 |
| DYDX | 5.432932 |
| DZD | 92.495714 |
| EEK | 9.500682 |
| EGLD | 0.246911 |
| EGP | 33.924471 |
| ENJ | 23.240713 |
| EOS | 9.300292 |
| ERN | 10.416934 |
| ESP | 101.030031 |
| ETB | 111.512762 |
| ETC | 0.098963 |
| ETH | 0.000392 |
| EUR | 0.607203 |
| EURC | 0.607590 |
| FEI | 0.694947 |
| FIL | 0.892940 |
| FIM | 3.610263 |
| FJD | 1.554231 |
| FKP | 0.518625 |
| FLOW | 25.018327 |
| FLR | 102.248133 |
| FRAX | 0.701780 |
| FRF | 3.982989 |
| FTT | 2.995669 |
| GALA | 310.136396 |
| GBP | 0.518625 |
| GEL | 1.828545 |
| GGP | 0.518625 |
| GHC | 79,135.299740 |
| GHS | 7.913530 |
| GIP | 0.518625 |
| GMD | 51.339473 |
| GMX | 0.118853 |
| GNF | 6,088.807044 |
| GNO | 0.006603 |
| GRD | 206.904325 |
| GRT | 38.485453 |
| GT | 0.103496 |
| GTQ | 5.295394 |
| GUSD | 0.695863 |
| GYD | 145.021528 |
| HBAR | 9.626121 |
| HKD | 5.446742 |
| HNL | 18.574771 |
| HNT | 2.935185 |
| HOT | 2,011.871788 |
| HRK | 4.574969 |
| HT | 20.096290 |
| HTG | 90.599759 |
| HUF | 214.837106 |
| ICP | 0.318512 |
| IDR | 12,491.800564 |
| IEP | 0.478211 |
| ILS | 2.078409 |
| IMP | 0.518625 |
| IMX | 5.006093 |
| INJ | 0.146518 |
| INR | 66.211466 |
| IQD | 908.395327 |
| IRR | 955,639.526954 |
| ISK | 87.440689 |
| ITL | 1,175.708401 |
| JEP | 0.518625 |
| JMD | 109.645945 |
| JOD | 0.492374 |
| JPY | 112.414781 |
| KAS | 23.317505 |
| KAVA | 15.402660 |
| KCS | 0.099189 |
| KDA | 111.237765 |
| KES | 89.799096 |
| KGS | 60.742749 |
| KHR | 2,782.741199 |
| KLAY | 19.996926 |
| KMF | 298.724154 |
| KNC | 6.248443 |
| KPW | 625.191473 |
| KRW | 1,057.502171 |
| KSM | 0.202290 |
| KWD | 0.215438 |
| KYD | 0.577521 |
| KZT | 327.974919 |
| LAK | 15,667.118185 |
| LBP | 62,156.483084 |
| LDO | 2.494822 |
| LEO | 0.073931 |
| LINK | 0.088192 |
| LKR | 232.204986 |
| LRC | 55.434976 |
| LRD | 125.822017 |
| LSL | 11.272366 |
| LTC | 0.015764 |
| LTL | 2.096550 |
| LUF | 24.494497 |
| LUNA | 14.059802 |
| LUNC | 11,389.033430 |
| LVL | 0.426742 |
| LYD | 4.448344 |
| MAD | 6.502030 |
| MANA | 9.974182 |
| MBX | 27.139817 |
| MDL | 12.221932 |
| MGA | 2,945.108403 |
| MGF | 14,725.542015 |
| MINA | 14.013072 |
| MKD | 37.423897 |
| MKR | 0.000497 |
| MMK | 1,458.230748 |
| MNT | 2,487.892669 |
| MOP | 5.610144 |
| MRO | 276.681119 |
| MRU | 27.668112 |
| MTL | 0.260672 |
| MUR | 32.685935 |
| MVR | 10.736071 |
| MWK | 1,201.977996 |
| MXN | 12.079729 |
| MXV | 1.377801 |
| MYR | 2.830602 |
| MZM | 44,354.415374 |
| MZN | 44.354415 |
| NAD | 11.272366 |
| NEAR | 0.344080 |
| NEO | 0.353767 |
| NEXO | 0.929898 |
| NFT | 2,622,147.816555 |
| NGN | 949.955926 |
| NIO | 25.535079 |
| NLG | 1.338099 |
| NOK | 6.805272 |
| NPR | 105.988005 |
| NZD | 1.218602 |
| OKB | 0.008744 |
| OMR | 0.267266 |
| ONE | 562.799397 |
| OP | 6.595203 |
| ORDI | 0.200617 |
| PAB | 0.694462 |
| PAXG | 0.000169 |
| PEN | 2.361073 |
| PEPE | 259,919.919173 |
| PGK | 3.047867 |
| PHP | 42.644179 |
| PI | 6.205791 |
| PKR | 192.775726 |
| PLN | 2.604613 |
| POL | 9.354025 |
| PTE | 121.733215 |
| PYG | 4,201.737039 |
| QAR | 2.527843 |
| QNT | 0.010587 |
| QTUM | 0.995358 |
| ROL | 31,755.779575 |
| RON | 3.175578 |
| RPL | 0.381108 |
| RSD | 71.255638 |
| RUB | 53.556878 |
| RUNE | 1.753974 |
| RVN | 183.161422 |
| RWF | 1,017.684462 |
| SAND | 14.075033 |
| SAR | 2.604234 |
| SBD | 5.619689 |
| SCR | 10.144883 |
| SDD | 41,680.530014 |
| SDG | 416.805300 |
| SEK | 6.691100 |
| SGD | 0.897196 |
| SHIB | 160,373.342980 |
| SHP | 0.518625 |
| SIT | 145.510059 |
| SKK | 18.292589 |
| SLE | 15.949444 |
| SLL | 15,949.444480 |
| SNX | 3.137591 |
| SOL | 0.008576 |
| SOS | 395.867348 |
| SPL | 0.115744 |
| SRD | 26.240722 |
| SRG | 26,240.721671 |
| SSP | 3,300.148197 |
| STD | 14,972.661504 |
| STN | 14.972662 |
| STX | 4.162692 |
| SUI | 0.946059 |
| SVC | 6.076545 |
| SYP | 76.781887 |
| SZL | 11.272366 |
| THB | 23.140790 |
| THETA | 4.863826 |
| TJS | 6.416360 |
| TMM | 12,153.193047 |
| TMT | 2.430639 |
| TND | 2.047219 |
| TOP | 1.672579 |
| TRL | 32,525,085.036369 |
| TRX | 2.107371 |
| TRY | 32.525085 |
| TTD | 4.706291 |
| TUSD | 0.695834 |
| TVD | 1.0000 |
| TWD | 22.278684 |
| TWT | 2.006881 |
| TZS | 1,823.729794 |
| UAH | 30.974509 |
| UGX | 2,534.083354 |
| UNI | 0.222099 |
| USD | 0.694462 |
| USDC | 0.694791 |
| USDD | 0.695848 |
| USDP | 0.696748 |
| USDT | 0.695206 |
| UYU | 27.891297 |
| UZS | 8,354.938233 |
| VAL | 1,175.708401 |
| VEB | 46,478,612,578.5303 |
| VED | 464.819057 |
| VEF | 46,481,905.727474 |
| VES | 464.819057 |
| VET | 140.955338 |
| VND | 18,265.568141 |
| VUV | 83.568176 |
| WAVES | 2.655319 |
| WEMIX | 2.620933 |
| WOO | 58.673699 |
| WST | 1.922128 |
| XAF | 398.298871 |
| XAG | 0.011381 |
| XAU | 0.000168 |
| XAUT | 0.000169 |
| XBT | 0.000011 |
| XCD | 1.880496 |
| XCG | 1.249424 |
| XCH | 0.433010 |
| XDC | 25.164003 |
| XDR | 0.511576 |
| XEC | 132,551.598303 |
| XEM | 1,655.448820 |
| XLM | 3.546960 |
| XMR | 0.002131 |
| XOF | 398.298871 |
| XPD | 0.000549 |
| XPF | 72.458558 |
| XPT | 0.000429 |
| XRP | 0.616267 |
| XTZ | 2.822581 |
| YER | 164.645819 |
| ZAR | 11.272366 |
| ZEC | 0.001549 |
| ZIL | 227.340024 |
| ZMK | 12,742.917652 |
| ZMW | 12.742918 |
| ZWD | 251.325902 |
| ZWG | 18.678125 |
| ZWL | 46,671.482824 |
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Cities in Kiribati 27
Browse all cities and towns
Cities in Kiribati 27
Browse all cities and towns
Other Time Zones in Kiribati
Detailed local time across various regions of the country.
Visa Requirements
Check what visa a citizen of Kiribati needs to enter any country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Kiribati?
The capital of Kiribati is South Tarawa.
What currency does Kiribati use?
Kiribati uses the Australian dollar ($), Kiribati dollar ($) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Kiribati?
The official language(s) of Kiribati include English, Gilbertese.
What is the population of Kiribati?
Kiribati has a population of approximately 120,740 people.
What region is Kiribati in?
Kiribati is located in Oceania, specifically in the Micronesia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Kiribati?
The international dialing code for Kiribati is +686.
What time zones does Kiribati observe?
Kiribati observes the following time zone(s): UTC+12:00, UTC+13:00, UTC+14:00.
What is the current time in Kiribati?
The local time in Kiribati is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Kiribati?
Kiribati covers a total area of 811 km².
How many states or provinces does Kiribati have?
Kiribati is divided into 24 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Kiribati in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Kiribati in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Kiribati?
Visa requirements for citizens of Kiribati vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.