Kiribati is a unique and geographically dispersed island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean, straddling both the equator and the International Date Line. Comprising 33 atolls and reef islands, Kiribati is spread over 3.5 million square kilometers of ocean, making it one of the most isolated and scattered countries in the world. The nation's name, pronounced "Kiribas," is derived from the local pronunciation of "Gilberts," reflecting its colonial history as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands under British rule until gaining independence in 1979.

With a population of just over 120,000 people, Kiribati is characterized by its rich cultural heritage and close-knit communities, where traditional practices such as fishing, weaving, and dancing remain integral to daily life. The capital, South Tarawa, is... Read More