Why visit
Kiribati is a wide-spread Pacific nation of low atolls, lagoon travel, fishing, and World War II history around Tarawa. Its geography crosses the equator and the International Date Line, making distance itself part of the story.
Country - Oceania
Kiribati
beachnature
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Kiribati works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use South Tarawa as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Kiribati.
At a glance
Location
1.4°, 173.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
811 km²
313 mi²
Country population
133k
164/km²
Subregion
Micronesia
Currency
Australian dollar ($)
AUD
Dial
+686
Languages
English, Gilbertese
Demonym
I-Kiribati
Internet
.ki
UN
Member state
ISO code
KI / KIR
Where in the world
1.4° - 173.0°
Kiribati
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Kiribati is the only country on earth located in all four hemispheres: north, south, east, and west.
- The country straddles the international date line: it all unified its clocks to the Tuesday side in 1995.
- Kiribati is on the front line of climate change, with average elevation just 2 m above sea level.
Traveler notes
- South Tarawa is the main population and transport hub
- Kiritimati is one of the world's largest coral atolls by land area
- Tarawa has major World War II battlefield sites
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital South Tarawa, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Kiribati
What is the capital of Kiribati?
South Tarawa is the capital of Kiribati.
What currency does Kiribati use?
Kiribati uses the Australian dollar ($), ISO code AUD.
What languages are spoken in Kiribati?
The primary languages are English and Gilbertese.
Is Kiribati landlocked?
No, Kiribati has a coastline.
What is the international calling code for Kiribati?
The calling code is +686.
When is the best time to visit Kiribati?
May–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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