Kiribatis

Kiribatis is an informal term sometimes used to refer to the people or topics related to the Republic of Kiribati. The standard demonym for citizens is I-Kiribati, and in formal writing the people are described as I-Kiribati rather than Kiribatis. The term Kiribatis appears more often in casual speech or in non-governmental contexts.

Geography and polity

Kiribati is a sovereign island nation in the central Pacific Ocean. It comprises 33 islands and atolls, distributed across three main groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Line Islands. The capital is in South Tarawa, located on Tarawa Atoll. The country lies near the equator and covers a wide expanse of ocean, making navigation and transport between atolls a central feature of daily life.

Population and language

Kiribati has a small population, estimated at around 110,000 to 120,000 people. The official languages are English and Gilbertese (also called I-Kiribati), with Gilbertese spoken by the vast majority of residents in daily life. Christianity is the predominant religion, with both Catholic and Protestant communities.

History

The area has long been inhabited by Micronesian communities. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Kiribati became part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony under British administration. Kiribati gained independence in 1979. The country adopted the name Kiribati at independence, reflecting the local term I-Kiribati for its people.

Economy and environment

Kiribati has limited natural resources and relies on fishing, especially tuna, as a major economic activity, along with copra, remittances, and some tourism. The nation faces significant environmental challenges, most notably coastal erosion and the threats posed by climate change and rising sea levels to its low-lying atolls. Adaptation efforts include water management and infrastructure projects.

See also

I-Kiribati; Kiribati; Tarawa; Gilbert Islands; Line Islands; Phoenix Islands.