Christmas Island Warbler (Acrocephalus aequinoctialis, cat. ),…

Gilbert and Ellice Islands 3p stamp of 1939

Cyrtosperma chamissonis = Cyrtosperma merkusii plantation on Bu…

Onotoa Atoll from the East, from an airplane midway from Tabite…

Kiribati

Country Information of Kiribati

Kiribati is a unique island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean, comprising 33 coral atolls and islands spread across an immense maritime region. Situated primarily in the Gilbert Islands, this remote archipelago straddles the equator and is...

Capital

South Tarawa

Languages

English, Gilbertese

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Tarawa,Bikenibeu,London,Rawannawi,Roreti,Buariki,Binoinano,Nabari,Tabiauea,Tabukiniberu

Major Cities

What Expats Say About KiribatiBETA

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We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Kiribati

Life Expectancy

68.0

Population

119,446

Religions

Christianity (Catholic)

58.9%

Bahá'í Faith

2.1%

Ethnic Composition

Gilbertese

95.7%

Climate & Weather in Kiribati

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Safety & Security in Kiribati

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

EXCELLENT

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Oceania Average

Moderate53/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Kiribati

Oceania Average

Safety Index

Excellent

Safety from Crime

Very Safe

Safe Alone (Day)

Excellent

Safe Alone (Night)

Excellent

Safety from Violent Crime

Very Safe

Safety from Property Crime

Very Safe

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Excellent

Healthcare Quality

Excellent

Emergency Response

Good

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 999 (Police/Fire/Ambulance)

• Limited Healthcare Infrastructure: Single national hospital in South Tarawa

• Ambulance Response: 15-30 minutes in urban areas, potentially longer in outer islands

• Language Support: English and I-Kiribati spoken in emergency services

• Medical Evacuation Often Required for Complex Cases

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 999

• Medical: 999

• Police: 999

• Fire: 999

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~20 minutes

• Rural areas: ~45 minutes

Hospital System:

Limited public healthcare with single main hospital in South Tarawa, minimal infrastructure in outer islands

Major Trauma Centers:

South Tarawa

Language Support:

Emergency services operate in English and I-Kiribati

Data Completeness: partial

Entry Restrictions in Kiribati

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Kiribati

Photo Gallery of Kiribati

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Living Costs in Kiribati

Extremely low cost of living with very affordable rent, but limited economic opportunities due to island nation status.

Crime & Safety in Kiribati

Exceptionally safe country with extremely low crime rates, typical of small Pacific island communities.

Safety Index: 96.32 | Crime Level: 3.68

Health System in Kiribati

Limited public healthcare infrastructure with basic medical services, challenges in specialized treatment due to small population and remote location.

Quality Rating: 4.5/10

Advantages in Kiribati

Unique island culture with strong community bonds
Pristine natural environment and beautiful Pacific landscapes
Low stress lifestyle with minimal urban pressures
Extremely safe environment for families and individuals

Disadvantages in Kiribati

Extremely vulnerable to climate change and sea-level rise
Limited economic opportunities and job market
Minimal infrastructure and technological development
Geographical isolation with challenging transportation

Government & Politics in Kiribati

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Economic Overview in Kiribati

Index

GDP

$227,610,035

HDI

0.6

Quality of Life

N/A

NYC baseline: 43

Purchasing Power

Avg: N/A

Last updated: 2025-11-09

Education System in Kiribati

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Kiribati

Kiribati, a remote Pacific archipelago with 119,446 residents across scattered atolls, relies heavily on air and sea transport due to its vast ocean expanse. Key strengths include recent upgrades to South Tarawa's main road and 23 airports serving domestic connectivity, while challenges encompass rudimentary public transport, poor outer island roads, vulnerability to climate change, and high travel costs. Residents and visitors depend on minivans in urban areas, Air Kiribati flights, and ferries, with driving on the left.

Public Transport

Below Average

Road Infrastructure

Below Average

Public Transport

2.5/10

No metro, rail, or formal bus systems exist. Shared minivans serve South Tarawa and Kiritimati as informal public transport from 6am-9pm, frequent but basic. No services on outer islands; limited integration and accessibility.

Road Infrastructure

4.2/10

South Tarawa Road (32km) rehabilitated with drainage, lighting, signage, and footpaths, connecting port to airport. Feeder roads upgraded, but outer islands have potholed, poorly maintained tracks. No highways; climate vulnerability persists.

Internet Speed

2.8/10

Average fixed broadband speeds around 10-15 Mbps, primarily via satellite and limited mobile data due to remoteness. Urban Tarawa slightly better; significant rural-urban gap with minimal fiber infrastructure.

Avg: 12.5+ Mbps • Negligible fiber; satellite and 4G dominant, very limited even in Tarawa

Airport Connectivity

5.1/10

23 airports total, 4 major: Bonriki International (Tarawa) for international flights (Fiji Airways, Nauru Airlines), Cassidy (Kiritimati), and domestic strips. Air Kiribati connects Gilbert/Line Islands; basic runways often shared with roads. Moderate regional links.

Hubs: Bonriki International Airport (TRW), Cassidy International Airport (CXI)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: N/A (no metro/public pass system)
Bus Trip: N/A (minivan ~A$1-2 per ride)
Taxi: N/A (minivans act as shared taxis; negotiate fares)
High-speed Train: N/A (no trains)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: No 5G deployment; none planned for 2024-2026 due to remoteness

4G Coverage: 4G available in Tarawa and Kiritimati; limited to patchy coverage on outer islands via SBM Telemedia

Basic mobile reliability in population centers; frequent outages from satellite dependency. 3G/4G dominant, slow data speeds outside main atolls.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid for 3 months with IDP required. Driving on left. Long-term residents (over 3 months) must convert to Kiribati license via practical test. Rentals scarce outside Tarawa.

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Work & Business in Kiribati

Kiribati, a small Pacific island nation with a population of around 119,000, features a modest economy valued at approximately AUD 228 million, heavily reliant on fisheries, tourism, and remittances. The employment landscape is challenged by limited opportunities, geographic isolation, and climate vulnerabilities, yet offers potential in eco-tourism, sustainable fishing, and emerging green businesses. Government reforms aim to enhance the business environment, attract investment, and create jobs in key sectors like tourism on Kiritimati and climate-resilient agriculture, providing modest opportunities for locals and entrepreneurs focused on resilience and sustainability.

Employment Rate

52.0%

Below-average employment rate amid high subsistence activity and youth unemployment. Government initiatives target job creation in fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure, but outer islands face limited formal opportunities and gender disparities persist.

Startup Ecosystem

25.0%

Limited startup activity due to poor infrastructure, bureaucratic delays, and scarce funding. Emerging focus on climate-resilient SMEs in solar and eco-tourism, with government reviews seeking to improve investment frameworks, but no significant VC or incubators.

Average Salary Range

A$8,000 - A$25,000 annually

Average salaries range from AUD 8k-25k annually, lowest in subsistence sectors, higher in public service and fishing. Low cost of living on outer islands boosts purchasing power, but high import costs and climate risks impact real wages.

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

EU citizens require a visa for stays over 30 days; work permits needed via Ministry of Foreign Affairs application, with sponsorship from local employer.

Non-EU Citizens:

Visitor visa on arrival for 30 days; work permits mandatory, processed through Immigration Office with job offer, health checks, and police clearance. Limited skilled worker programs.

Strict visa policies prioritize local employment; work permits take 4-8 weeks, requiring employer sponsorship and labor market test. No digital nomad visa; focus on essential skills in fisheries/tourism.

Business Registration

Timeline:

4-8 weeks

Registration via Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives involves name approval, memorandum of association, and fee payment (around AUD 100-500). Lengthy approvals due to bureaucracy; reforms ongoing to streamline for FDI in fisheries/tourism. Local company structures common.

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No specific remote work legislation; governed by general employment laws. Cross-border remote work requires work permit.

Limited remote work culture due to poor ICT connectivity outside Tarawa. Government pushes e-commerce frameworks, but prevalence low; co-working spaces scarce, hybrid rare except in NGOs/international orgs.

Key Industries

Fisheries

Tourism

Public Administration

Agriculture

Copra Production

Renewable Energy

Job Opportunities by Sector

Fisheries:

High demand for fishers, processors, and license vessel crew. Key economic driver; growth via sustainable practices. Salaries AUD 10k-20k; training opportunities through government programs.

Tourism:

Opportunities in eco-tourism on Kiritimati: guides, hospitality, operators. Visitor growth in 2025 boosts seasonal jobs. Multilingual skills valued; potential AUD 12k-18k.

Public Sector:

Stable roles in administration, health, education. Largest formal employer; reforms create transparency-driven positions. Good benefits, salaries AUD 15k-25k.

Agriculture & Green Business:

Emerging demand for sustainable farming, solar installers amid climate adaptation. SMEs in solar/water tech growing; skill gaps offer entry for trained workers.

Infrastructure:

Construction and waste management jobs from World Bank reforms. Recycling, resilient building training; short-term projects with local hiring priority.

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Retirement & Senior Living in Kiribati

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Legal & Administrative in Kiribati

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Environment & Sustainability in Kiribati

Kiribati is an extremely vulnerable Pacific island nation facing existential threats from climate change. With a population of 119,446 spread across low-lying atolls averaging 1-3 meters above sea level, the country confronts rising sea levels, intensifying cyclones, severe water scarcity, and increasing food insecurity. Despite contributing only 0.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Kiribati has become a frontline victim of climate change, prompting government-led adaptation initiatives and international climate advocacy.

Air Quality Index

Good

7.5/10

Stable trend

Limited air quality monitoring data available for Kiribati. As a small island nation with minimal industrial activity, air quality is generally good. However, the country faces challenges from limited weather and climate monitoring capacity, which affects comprehensive environmental assessment capabilities.

Water Quality

Poor

3.5/10

Kiribati faces severe water security challenges due to climate change impacts. Water resources depend heavily on rainfall, and the country experiences intensifying drought periods combined with groundwater salinization from ocean warming and rising sea levels. These factors expose the nation to severe water shortages that directly impact public health and agricultural productivity.

Freshwater reserves are increasingly contaminated by storm surge saltwater intrusion. The combination of rising sea levels and extreme weather events contaminates drinking water supplies, creating critical public health risks for the population.

Recycling System

Comprehensive recycling data for Kiribati is not readily available in current environmental databases. As a small island developing state with limited infrastructure, formal recycling systems are minimal. The country's focus remains on immediate climate adaptation and disaster resilience rather than established waste management hierarchies.

Green Spaces

Kiribati's outer islands cover a land area almost the size of the United States, but the nation's narrow land masses and low-lying geography limit traditional forest coverage. Environmental protection focuses on coastal ecosystem preservation through mangrove planting initiatives to protect soil from erosion and mitigate storm surge impacts. Green space management is integrated with climate adaptation strategies.

Mangrove restoration and coastal protection areas are being developed as part of climate adaptation initiatives. The Kiribati Outer Island Resilience and Adaptation Project (KOIRAP) includes ecosystem-based adaptation measures across five pilot islands: Makin, North Tarawa, Kuria, Onotoa, and Kiritimati.

Environmental Policies

Kiribati has prioritized climate adaptation and resilience policies as existential imperatives. The government has committed to international climate agreements and is implementing comprehensive adaptation frameworks across national and sectoral levels. Key initiatives include strengthened meteorological services, early warning systems, and whole-of-islands resilience planning. The country advocates globally for emissions reduction and climate finance to address disproportionate climate impacts.

Key Policies:

•Kiribati Outer Island Resilience and Adaptation Project (KOIRAP)
•National and sectoral climate policies strengthened through enhanced institutions
•Whole-of-Islands approach for water, food security, and infrastructure adaptation
•Enhanced meteorological and early warning systems
•Climate resilience planning across five pilot islands

Renewable Energy: Specific renewable energy percentage targets are not detailed in current sources, but Kiribati is committed to sustainable development pathways and climate resilience as part of its national adaptation strategy.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Kiribati faces extreme natural disaster risk from multiple climate-related hazards. The region experiences high exposure to cyclones and rising sea levels, with annual disaster losses equivalent to 2-3% of Pacific countries' GDP. Storm surges increasingly invade coastal areas, contaminating freshwater reserves, destroying crops, and flooding homes. The country's geographic isolation and low-lying atoll geography (averaging 1-3 meters above mean sea level) create severe vulnerability to inundation.

Cyclones and tropical stormsStorm surges and coastal floodingSea level rise and permanent inundationDroughts and water scarcityExtreme heat events

Climate Change Impacts: Kiribati has experienced historical warming of 0.1°C–0.2°C per decade since 1950. Mean sea level has risen 3.2 mm/year since 1993, with projections indicating continued rise of approximately 5-15 cm by 2030 and 20-60 cm by 2090 under higher emissions scenarios. Two uninhabited islands, Abanuea and Tebua Tarawa, disappeared beneath waves by 1999. Storm surge frequency and intensity are increasing, causing more frequent inundations that damage coastal infrastructure and community assets. Intensifying drought periods combined with groundwater salinization expose the country to severe water shortages. A quarter (25%) of households reported being impacted by at least one natural disaster, with estimated economic losses totaling $1.25 million AUD. The scarcity of water directly impacts population health and agricultural productivity, which suffers from increasing heat stress. Climate-induced disasters are projected to exacerbate vulnerability by causing more frequent inundations leading to loss of land, buildings, and infrastructure. If current projections are accurate, the atoll of Tarawa will be uninhabitable within a generation.

Sustainability Initiatives

Climate Resilience and Adaptation

The Kiribati Outer Island Resilience and Adaptation Project (KOIRAP) is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to strengthening community resilience across five pilot islands: Makin, North Tarawa, Kuria, Onotoa, and Kiritimati, benefiting approximately 17,500 people (49% women). The project implements water, food security, and infrastructure adaptation measures through a whole-of-islands approach. It includes national and sectoral policy strengthening, island-level climate resilience planning, and enhanced knowledge management strategies.

Meteorological and Early Warning Systems

Kiribati is strengthening its meteorological infrastructure through SOFF (Support to the Meteorological Services of the Pacific) investments, which provide crucial support to Kiribati's Meteorological Service for improved weather monitoring and more accurate forecasts and warnings. These investments establish a strong and functional weather observation system as a critical component of Kiribati's early warning system, enabling better disaster preparedness and response capabilities for vulnerable communities.

Coastal Ecosystem Protection

Kiribati is implementing mangrove planting and coastal protection initiatives to mitigate storm surge impacts and soil erosion. Residents have also begun building coral rock walls to protect against high tides, and some towns have shifted inland to reduce inundation risk. These ecosystem-based and community-led adaptation measures represent practical responses to immediate climate threats while supporting long-term resilience.

International Climate Advocacy

Kiribati's former president Anote Tong spent a decade traveling globally to alert the world to Kiribati's climate plight and advocate for solutions. The country has publicly requested increased policies and initiatives aimed at reducing polluting emissions. At COP30 in Brazil (November 2025), Kiribati spotlighted its strength and resilience, with Vice President Teuea Toatu emphasizing the need to keep 1.5°C alive as the only path to secure the nation's future.

Wildlife & Nature

Pacific Reef HeronCommon

Kiribati Reef SystemsVulnerable

Pacific FisheriesVulnerable

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Geography in Kiribati

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Banaba Island

Lowest Point

Pacific Ocean

National Flag

Quick Facts for Kiribati

Population

119,446

Currency

AUD

Timezones

UTC+12:00 to UTC+14:00

Calling Code

+686

Week starts on

monday

Gini Coefficient

37 (2006)

Drives on the

left side

Location

Map coordinates not available for this location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.

Kiribati

Capital

Languages

UN-Member?

Major Cities

Life Expectancy

Population

Religions

Ethnic Composition

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

GDP

HDI

Quality of Life

Purchasing Power

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Gasoline (1 liter)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

Eggs (regular) (12)

Local Cheese (1kg)

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Internet Speed

Airport Connectivity

Transportation Costs

Mobile Network

Driving License

Employment Rate

Startup Ecosystem

Average Salary Range

Work Visa Requirements

Business Registration

Remote Work Policies

Key Industries

Job Opportunities by Sector

Cultural Integration Score

Expat Community

Social Activities

Religious Facilities

Volunteer Opportunities

Dating & Relationships

Professional Networking

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Air Quality Index

Water Quality

Recycling System

Green Spaces

Environmental Policies

Natural Disaster Risk

Sustainability Initiatives

Wildlife & Nature

Coastline

Highest Point

Lowest Point

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services