Country Profile: Kiribati

Kiribati is a unique Pacific island nation comprising three main island groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Line Islands, and the Phoenix Islands, all straddling the Equator. With a population of approximately 116,545, Kiribati faces challenges related to its fragile environment and economy, heavily reliant on fishing, tourism, and remittances. Governed as a presidential republic, the country is navigating the complexities of climate change impacts, including potential relocation of its citizens to safer grounds.

Geography

Kiribati is located in Oceania and consists of 32 coral atolls and one raised coral island scattered over approximately 3.5 million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean. The capital, Tarawa, lies roughly midway between Hawaii and Australia and has a coastline extending 1,143 km. The islands are predominantly low-lying, with the highest point being only 81 meters above sea level on Banaba Island.

811 sq km total area.
1,143 km of coastline.
21 inhabited islands.
42% of land used for agriculture (2022 estimate).
Kiribati is unique in being the only country in the world that lies in all four hemispheres.

People and Society

The population of Kiribati is approximately 116,545, with a youthful median age of 27.3 years. The majority (95.78%) identify as I-Kiribati, with both Gilbertese and English as official languages. The population is predominantly Roman Catholic (58.9%), reflecting a diverse cultural and religious heritage.

57.8% of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
19.7 births per 1,000 population (2024 estimate).
68.5 years life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate).
98% literacy rate (2018).
45.4% of rural population has access to improved sanitation (2020 estimate).

Economy

Kiribati's economy is classified as lower-middle income and is considerably affected by environmental fragility. Sizable remittances contribute to its GDP, while traditional industries like fishing and tourism remain vital. Recent years have shown fluctuations in growth rates and ongoing economic challenges.

Real GDP (PPP) projected at $438.143 million for 2024.
GDP growth rate estimated at 5.3% for 2024.
27.8% of GDP comes from agriculture (2022).
21.9% of the population lives below the poverty line (2019).
4% of GDP from remittances (2023 estimate).

Government

Kiribati functions as a presidential republic, with a political system influenced by both parliamentary and customary law. The President serves as both the head of state and government, currently led by President Taneti Maamau. The nation gained independence from the UK on July 12, 1979, and has a unicameral legislature known as the House of Assembly.

Capital: Tarawa.
Number of legislative seats: 45 (2024).
Voting age: 18 years.
Recent presidential election: Taneti Maamau reelected in October 2024.

Military and Security

Kiribati’s military capabilities are limited, mainly comprising the Kiribati Police Service, which includes maritime police. The country engages in security partnerships with Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, receiving assistance for maritime law enforcement and territorial protection.

Ongoing security cooperation with the US, including a "ship rider" agreement.
Local law enforcement operates under the Kiribati Police Service.

Energy

Energy access in Kiribati is high, with approximately 94.4% of the population having electricity. The energy generation mix includes a significant reliance on fossil fuels, although solar power is emerging as a renewable source.

Electricity access: 94.4% of the population (2022).
Installed capacity: 12,000 kW (2023).
Fossil fuels account for 81.5% of the energy generation capacity (2023).
Total energy consumption per capita: 8.578 million Btu (2023).

Environment

Kiribati faces several environmental issues, including heavy pollution due to overcrowding and rising sea levels exacerbating coastal erosion. The nation is a participant in various international climate change treaties, demonstrating its commitment to addressing these pressing challenges.

Major environmental challenges: Pollution and coastal erosion.
Participates in multiple international agreements including the Paris Agreement.

Transportation

Transportation infrastructure in Kiribati includes 21 airports and a merchant marine fleet comprising various types of vessels. The nation's isolated geographical position necessitates reliance on air and shipping routes for connectivity with the outside world.

Total airports: 21 (2025).
Merchant marine: 74 total vessels (2023).
Key ports: Canton Island, English Harbor, Tarawa Atoll.

Communications

Kiribati has made strides in communications, with a significant portion of the population having access to mobile cellular services and the internet. However, fixed-line telephony remains virtually non-existent.

Mobile subscriptions: 70,000 (2023).
Internet users: 88% of the population (2023).
Fixed-line subscriptions: Less than 1 per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	116,545	2024 estimate
Area	811 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$438.143 million	2024 estimate
Electricity access	94.4%	Total population with electricity access
Life expectancy	68.5 years	2024 estimate
Literacy rate	98%	2018 estimate
Unemployment rate	Not available	No data provided
Birth rate	19.7 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Urban population	57.8%	2023 estimate
Gini Index	27.8	2019 estimate