The widely scattered nation of Kiribati, pronounced "Kir-ee-bahs," located in the Pacific Ocean along the edges of the Equator, includes the Gilbert, Phoenix and Line island groups. Most are uninhabited. These low-lying coral atolls, (33 in all) are the protruding tips of undersea volcanoes, and extend only a few feet above sea level. The waters surrounding Kiribati witnessed intense whaling activities in the 19th century, and the islands were an important battlefield during World War II.

Formerly part of the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, it gained full independence from Britain in 1979, shortly before the valuable phosphate deposits on the island of Banaba were depleted. Kiribati was therefore awarded millions for the total exploitation of that major resource in 1981.

The local economy now depends on subsistence farming, fishing, and the island's prolific stands of coconut palms, and the subsequent sale of copra (coconut meat.) The isolated location of the Kiribati islands prevents tourism from flourishing, and becoming a major business, even though the weather is consistently warm, offshore reefs teem with colorful fish, and WWII shipwrecks are commonplace, especially off the eastern edge of Kiritimati (Christmas Island). That island, incidentally, is the world's largest coral atoll, and was once used for the testing of nuclear weapons.

Even though Kiribati sits in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, it successfully declared itself entirely a part of the Eastern Hemisphere.

Key Facts

Official name: Republic of Kiribati

Time: GMT + 12

Area: 849 sq km (328 sq miles)

Population: 103,100

Population Density: 461.2 per sq km

Geography: Kiribati (pronounced ‘Kiribass’, formerly the Gilbert Islands) consists of three groups in the central Pacific: Kiribati (including Banaba, formerly Ocean Island), the Line Islands and the Phoenix Islands. The 33 islands, scattered across 5 million sq km (2 million sq miles) of the central Pacific, are low-lying coral atolls with coastal lagoons. The exception is Banaba, which is a coral formation rising to 80m (265ft). The soil is generally poor, apart from Banaba, and rainfall is variable. Coconut palms and pandanus trees comprise the main vegetation. There are no hills or streams throughout the group. Water is obtained from storage tanks or wells.

Latitude/Longitude: 1º 33N, 172º 99E

Highest Point: 266 ft. (81 m) at Banaba

Climate: The tropical islands of Kiribati are hot and humid throughout the year. The Gilbert Islands receive the most rain, while rainfall is sparse in the Phoenix and Line islands, and extended periods of drought are common.

Capital: South Tarawa

Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1979

Head of State: President Anote Tong since 2003

Head of Government: Presidential elections were held in July 2003, in which Anote Tong defeated his older brother, Harry. The president has identified rising population levels, youth unemployment and the threat from climate change as the country's key issues. Tong was then returned to government in 2007 elections.

Language: I-Kiribati, English (official)

Religion: Christianity (53% Roman Catholic and 39% Kiribati Protestant), the Bahai Faith and Islam.

Social Conventions: Like the other Pacific islanders, the people are very friendly and hospitable and retain much of their traditional culture and lifestyle. In this casual atmosphere, European customs still prevail alongside local traditions. Although in official correspondence the Western convention of signing names with initials is adopted, it is more polite (and customary) to address people by their first name. Bikinis should not be worn except on the beach. Nudity and overly-scant swimming costumes are forbidden by local law.

Communications: Kiribati has a GSM network

Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz