Kiribati

Area: 810.5 sq km (312.9 sq miles).

Population: 87,400 (official estimate 2002).

Population Density: 104.2 per sq km.

Capital: South Tarawa atoll (including Bairiki, the capital town). Population: 36,717(2000).

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 2 million square 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.

Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1979. Head of State and Government: President Anote Tong since July 2003.

Language: Kiribati and English.

Religion: Christianity (53.4 per cent Roman Catholic and 39.2 per cent Kiribati Protestant), the Bahai Faith and Islam.

Time: GMT + 12, except as follows:

Canton Island, Enderbury Island: GMT +13;

Christmas Island: GMT +14.

Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz.

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.