Why visit
South Tarawa is the capital of Kiribati. A practical starting point for museums, food, and onward routes into the country.
Kiribati at a glance
Country center
1.4°, 173.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
811 km²
313 mi²
Country population
133k
164/km²
Subregion
Micronesia
Currency
Australian dollar ($)
AUD
Dial
+686
Languages
English, Gilbertese
Demonym
I-Kiribati
Internet
.ki
UN
Member state
ISO code
KI / KIR
Where in the world
1.4° · 173.0°
Kiribati
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Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Kiribati is the only country on earth located in all four hemispheres: north, south, east, and west.
- The country straddles the international date line: it all unified its clocks to the Tuesday side in 1995.
- Kiribati is on the front line of climate change, with average elevation just 2 m above sea level.
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Frequently asked about South Tarawa
What currency is used in South Tarawa?
South Tarawa uses the Australian dollar ($), ISO code AUD.
What languages are spoken in Kiribati?
The primary languages are English and Gilbertese.
What is the international calling code for Kiribati?
The calling code is +686.
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