<p><img src="images/flagkiribati.jpg" alt="" width="132" height="88" /></p>
<p>The Republic of Kiribati is an island country in the Oceania continent. It located in the central Pacific spreading over 3.5 million square kilometres of Ocean. The total land area of Kiribati is 800 square kilometres with a population of 103,500. Part of the Micronesian region, the island comprises of 33 atolls and a raised coral island, Banaba. The latitude and longitude of Kiribati is 1 degree 25’N and 173 degrees 00’E.  Kiribati experiences tropical weather conditions which are pleasant from April to October and wetter seasons from November through to March.</p>
<p>Kiribati was under the United Kingdom banner until 1979, at that time known as Gilberts. Tarawa is the capital of Kiribati and is also the largest city. It the most populated area in Kiribati, inhabiting 33% of the total population. The country is divided into three groups, with a total of 21 inhabited islands.  The natives are known as I-Kiribati.</p>
<p><strong><em>HISTORY</em></strong></p>
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<p>Micronesians have inhabited the island since sometimes between 3000 BC and AD 1300. Cultural influences from outside forces namely; intermarriages have tended to blur cultural homogenisation. The island was invaded from other pacific nations around the 14<sup>th</sup> century, hence influencing the native culture.</p>
<p>Gilbertese is the official native language and English is the official language. Christianity is the main religion with over 90% of the population affiliated since missionaries were in the island.</p>
<p><strong>ECONOMY</strong></p>
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<p>It has been a fact that Kiribati is one of the world’s poorest and least developed countries, with limited to very few natural resources. Phosphate was a viable financial income until it was exhausted at the time of independence. Now the country depends on copra and fish production for earnings.</p>
<p>Kiribati also gets foreign income from fishing licenses, foreign assistance, remittances and tourism.</p>
<p>Due to limited resources, foodstuffs and manufactured items are mostly imported. The economy also depends on international assistance programs and internationally recognised Non-Government organisations. </p>
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<p><strong><em>TRANSPORT</em></strong></p>
<p>There are two domestic airlines available in the country both based on Tarawa’s Bontiki International Airport.  Fiji Airways provides the country with international flights via Nadi Airport.</p>
<p>                                                                         <img src="images/Kiribatiairportbontiki.JPG" alt="" width="383" height="288" /></p>