Saarutab

Saarutab is a village located in the northern part of the archipelago nation of Kiribati, specifically within the Phoenix Islands. It is situated on the island of Nikumaroro, also known historically as Gardner Island. Nikumaroro is an uninhabited coral atoll and a part of the extensive Kiribati island chain. Saarutab, as a settlement, represents one of the few attempts at establishing a permanent or semi-permanent human presence on this remote atoll.

The history of settlement on Nikumaroro is complex and has seen various periods of habitation and abandonment. Saarutab is associated with these historical settlement efforts. The Phoenix Islands, including Nikumaroro, were largely uninhabited for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. Later, various groups attempted to colonize the islands, often facing significant challenges due to the harsh environment, limited resources, and isolation. Saarutab's existence is tied to these endeavors, reflecting a specific phase in the island's human history. The current status of Saarutab is generally considered to be uninhabited, with past attempts at settlement having ceased. The island is now primarily known for its ecological significance and its role in historical events, including theories related to the disappearance of Amelia Earhart.