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Kiribati

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Explore how Kiribati addresses environmental challenges and promotes sustainability to protect its remote Pacific islands on Innovando.News: Kiribati is an island country in the Pacific Ocean, consisting of 33 islands and atolls spanning 3,5 million km². The capital is South Tarawa, the main political and economic center. Kiribati has a land area of ​​811 km² and a population of approximately 120.000 people. The country faces significant environmental challenges, including rising sea levels. The agricultural sector includes coconut and taro, while fishing, particularly tuna, is vital to the economy. Industry is limited, and much of the economy depends on services and international aid. Kiribati is a presidential republic, and the official languages ​​are Gilbertese and English. The country is vulnerable to climate change, and is a major player in the fight for environmental sustainability.

Kiribati Summary Data

  • Total population: Approximately 120.000 inhabitants.
  • Population growth rate: Around 1,5% per year, with growth mainly supported by birth rates.
  • Capital: Tarawa, with approximately 50.000 inhabitants.
  • Main cities: Besides Tarawa, other inhabited islands include Kiritimati, which is the largest island in the archipelago.
  • Countries it borders: Kiribati is an island country located in the central Pacific Ocean and has no land borders with other countries.
  • Nominal GDP: Approximately USD 200 million.
  • Pro-capite GDP: Approximately USD 1.500.
  • GDP growth rate: Around 2-3% per year, supported by the foreign aid and tourism sectors.
  • Inflation: About 3%, mainly influenced by imports and the price of consumer goods.
  • Unemployment rate: About 25%, with a very limited job market.
  • Trade balance: Negative, with a trade deficit mainly resulting from imports of consumer goods, fuel and food.
  • Major business partners: Australia, New Zealand, United States, and nearby Asian countries such as Fiji.
  • Public debt: About 30% of GDP, managed with international support and external aid.
  • Public spending on R&D (Research and Development): Limited, with investments in sustainable infrastructure and environmental protection due to climate change.
  • Main economic sectors: Fishing (especially tuna), agriculture (coconut and coconuts), and tourism.
  • Currency: Australian dollar (AUD) or US dollar (USD), depending on the island.
  • Interest rate: Around 1-2%, set by the central banks of New Zealand and Australia.
  • Foreign exchange reserves: Approximately USD 100 million.
  • Main exports: Tuna, copra, coconuts, and marine resources.
  • Main imports: Food, machinery, fuel and consumer goods.
  • Human Development Index (HDI): Medium-low, with a score of around 0,600.
  • Literacy rate: About 97%, with an education system that follows international standards.
  • Life expectancy: About 68 years old.
  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Low ranking, as the economy depends mainly on natural resources and external aid.
  • Corruption Perception Index: Low perception of corruption, with a score of around 40 out of 100.

Insights into Kiribati

1. Country Name

  • Official Country Name: Republic of Kiribati (Republic of Kiribati).
  • Short form and long form: Kiribati (short form); Republic of Kiribati (long form).

2. Geography

  • Geographical position: Kiribati is an island country located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is composed of 33 islands and atolls that cover a vast area of ​​3,5 million km², although its land mass is limited to about 811 km².
  • Area Approximately 811 km².
  • Description of the landscape: Kiribati is made up of coral atolls and low islands, with landscapes of sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Due to its low elevation, the island is vulnerable to climate change and sea level rise. The climate is tropical, hot and humid, with a rainy season from November to March.

3. Population

  • Number of inhabitants: Approximately 120.000 people (2023).
  • Population growth rate: Approximately 1,5% per annum.
  • Major cities and population distribution:
    • South Tarawa: The capital and largest city, located on the atoll of Tarawa.
    • Betio: A major trading center on Tarawa Atoll.
    • The other islands are scattered, with a low population density.

4. Capital and main cities

  • Name of the capital: South Tarawa.
  • Information on the main cities:
    • South Tarawa: It is the political, economic and administrative center of the country. The capital is located on the atoll of Tarawa and is composed of several villages scattered along the islands.
    • Betio: The main commercial centre and most densely populated town on Tarawa.

5. economy

Nominal GDP and GDP per capita

Nominal GDP is around USD 200 million, with a GDP per capita of around USD 1.700.

Main economic sectors (agriculture, industry, services)

  • Agriculture: The agricultural sector includes the cultivation of coconut, breadfruit and taro. However, arable land is limited due to the geography of the archipelago.
  • Industry: Industries include fishing, especially tuna fishing, and copra (dried coconut meat) production. However, industrial capacity is limited.
  • Services: The service sector, including tourism, is growing. However, the bulk of the economy depends on natural resources and international aid.

GDP growth rate and inflation

Economic growth is low, with an annual rate of around 2-3%. Inflation is moderate, around 4%.

Unemployment rate and trade balance

Unemployment is high, around 20-30%, mainly due to limited job opportunities in the more remote islands. The trade balance is negative, with the country dependent on imports of goods and food.

Public debt

Public debt is managed mainly through external assistance, but the country has a prudent fiscal policy.

Main exports and imports

  • Main exports: Tuna, copra, fishery products.
  • Main imports: Food, fuel, machinery and consumer goods.

6. Political system and government

  • Type of government: Presidential republic.
  • Political structure: The President is the head of state and government, elected for a four-year term. The Parliament is unicameral, with 46 members.
  • Main political parties and electoral organization: Political parties are relatively few, but the electoral system allows for the representation of various local groups and political parties.

7. History and culture

Brief historical overview of the country

Kiribati became a British protectorate in 1892, under the name of the Gilbert Islands. They gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979. During World War II, the atolls were used as military bases. Kiribati has experienced many economic and environmental challenges, including the threat of climate change.

Cultural and linguistic traditions

The official languages ​​are Gilbertese and English, with Gilbertese being spoken by the majority of the population. The culture is based on island tradition, with customs related to fishing, dance, and community festivities.

Cultural heritage (monuments, UNESCO sites, cultural events)

  • Cultural events: Il Nauru National Day and Merriman Festival celebrate the local culture and traditions of the island.
  • Monuments: Oral traditions and local structures are an integral part of the culture, but there are no UNESCO sites.

8. Innovation and development

  • Position in the Global Innovation Index: Not applicable; the country is not among the leaders in technological innovation.
  • R&D (Research and Development) Spending: Limited, mainly focused on sustainable initiatives related to climate change.
  • Advanced technological sectors and main innovations of the country: Innovation focuses mainly on climate change adaptation solutions, such as flood protection of islands and water management.

9. Education and health

  • Literacy rate: About 98%.
  • Structure of the education system: The education system includes primary, secondary and vocational schools. Higher education is limited and students often move abroad to continue their studies.
  • Quality and accessibility of the health system: The health system is underdeveloped, with major medical facilities in South Tarawa. Infectious diseases and environmental conditions are problematic.
  • Life expectancy: About 67 years old.

10. International rankings

  • Position in the Human Development Index (HDI): Low, around 0,6, due to its limited economy and resources.
  • Position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI): Relatively low, but with some efforts to improve transparency.
  • Position in global economic indices: The country is considered among the most vulnerable economies, especially due to threats related to climate change.

11. Environmental policies

  • The country's efforts in terms of sustainability: Kiribati is at the forefront of the fight against climate change, seeking solutions to protect its islands from the growing threat of rising sea levels.
  • Environmental policies and international commitments: The country is an active participant in international climate change agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, and has invested in renewable energy solutions.

12. Curiosities and peculiarities

  • Interesting or unique facts about the country:
    • Kiribati is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, at risk of disappearing below sea level in the coming decades.
    • Tarawa Island, the capital of Kiribati, is famous for its history during World War II.
    • Kiribati has one of the highest population growth rates in the Pacific.
  • Important events, national holidays, gastronomic specialties:
    • Nauru National Day: Celebrated with traditional dances and banquets.
    • Local cuisine: Main course based on fish and coconut, such as tebua (fish cooked in palm leaves).

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