The Basics
Country: Kiribati
Where is it?: Oceania, group of 33 coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean, straddling the equator; the capital Tarawa is about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia
Why do people go here?: Coral atolls and the infamously named Christmas Island provide Kiribati with its claims to fame. There are not a lot of tourists here, but those who can afford the time and the flight costs are welcomed by locals.
What are the main entry points?: Christmas Island and Tarawa are home to the international airports, but you have to come from nearby island or Honolulu.
Currency used: Australian dollar (AUD)
Country Code: 686
Area codes for Major Cities: No city codes required
Religion: Roman Catholic 52%, Protestant (Congregational) 40%, some Seventh-Day Adventist, Muslim, Baha’i, Latter-day Saints, and Church of God
Population: 100,000
Ethnic Breakdown: Predominantly Micronesian with some Polynesian
Government: Republic
Languages: I-Kiribati, English (official)
Travel Information
Major Cities: Tarawa
Attractions: Wreck diving, Game fishing, Beaches
Health Issues: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Unlike to like rain and humidity, avoid the wet season from November through February.
Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day, 12 July (1979)
Getting Around: Passenger ferries will get you around, but a yacht is the only way to travel to the places most others don’t.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Kiribati is the Bonriki International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Kiribati travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
