Kiribati 🇰🇮

Kiribati is an independent state in Micronesia, and a member of the United Nations. The long form of the name is Independent and Sovereign Republic of Kiribati. The capital is South Tarawa.

Its territory runs to 811 km², which ranks it 192nd of the 250 countries and territories in this dataset — just behind the Turks and Caicos Islands and just ahead of Bahrain. That makes it a little larger than Singapore.

Some 134,518 people call it home, placing it 193rd of 250 by population — between Curaçao above it and Seychelles below. Measured only against its own subregion, it is 1st of 7 in size and 2nd in population.

How Kiribati sits on the globe

Its reference point sits at 1.4° north and 173.0° east, which puts it in the northern hemisphere, roughly 158 km from the equator, in what geographers would call the equatorial belt.

Countries on the same parallel, far away in longitude, include DR Congo, Kenya and Malaysia.

It shares no land border with anyone. That puts it among the 85 entries of 250 here with no land neighbours, so everything and everyone arrives by sea or by air.

Population, density and language

Spread across 811 km², that works out at about 166 people per square kilometre, which makes it more crowded than the typical entry on this list. The median across all 250 entries here is about 90 per square kilometre.

Someone from Kiribati is an I-Kiribati.

It recognises 2 languages: English and Gilbertese. Gilbertese is listed for no other entry in this dataset, which makes it effectively unique to Kiribati. English, the first listed, is shared with 90 other entries worldwide.

Inside Oceania it places 11th of 27 by population, and it accounts for 26% of everyone living in Micronesia.

Money, internet and phone codes

More than one currency circulates: Australian dollar (AUD) and Kiribati dollar (KID). That is a shared currency: 6 other entries use it, including Australia, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Nauru and Norfolk Island.

Websites there use the .ki domain. Calls from overseas start with +686. Standard country codes: ki and KIR.

South Tarawa is the seat of government and the answer most quizzes are looking for.

Kiribati is one of the 193 UN member states in this dataset. The other 57 entries are territories, dependencies or observers, which is why totals on this site run to 250 rather than the familiar 195.

Fun facts about Kiribati

• Gilbertese is listed as an official language for no other entry in this dataset.
• In land area it is a little larger than Singapore.
• DR Congo and Kenya sit at almost the same latitude, on the far side of the globe.
• It has no land border with any other country — one of 85 such entries in this dataset.
• Its full official name is Independent and Sovereign Republic of Kiribati.
• Its currency, the Australian dollar, is shared with 6 other entries.
• People from Kiribati are known as I-Kiribatis.
• Within Micronesia it is the 1st largest of 7.

Kiribati — frequently asked questions

What is the capital of Kiribati?

The capital of Kiribati is South Tarawa.

Where is Kiribati located?

Kiribati is in Micronesia, part of Oceania. Its reference coordinates are 1.4° north and 173.0° east, roughly 158 km from the equator in equatorial latitudes.

Is Kiribati a country?

Yes. Kiribati is a sovereign state and one of the 193 UN members listed on this site.

What is the population of Kiribati?

Kiribati has a population of about 134,518, which makes it the 193rd most populous of the 250 countries and territories listed on this site. Curaçao sits just above it and Seychelles just below.

How big is Kiribati?

Kiribati covers 811 km², ranking 192nd of 250 by land area. That makes it a little larger than Singapore.

What currency does Kiribati use?

Kiribati uses the Australian dollar, written $ (currency code AUD). It is shared with 6 other entries.

What language is spoken in Kiribati?

Kiribati lists 2 official languages: English and Gilbertese. Gilbertese does not appear as an official language anywhere else in this dataset.

Does Kiribati border any other country?

No. Kiribati has no land border with any other country, so every route in or out is by sea or air. 85 of the 250 entries on this site are in the same position.