Kiribati

American  

[keer-ee-bah-tee, keer-uh-bas] / ˌkɪər iˈbɑ ti, ˈkɪər əˌbæs /

noun

1. a republic in the central Pacific Ocean, on the equator, comprising 33 islands. 263 sq. mi. (681 sq. km). Tarawa.

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Kiribati British  

/ ˌkɪrɪˈbæs, ˌkɪrɪˈbætɪ /

noun

1. an independent republic in the W Pacific: comprises 33 islands including Banaba (Ocean Island), the Gilbert and Phoenix Islands, and eight of the Line Islands; part of the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands until 1975; became self-governing in 1977 and gained full independence in 1979 as the Republic of Kiribati; a member of the Commonwealth. Official languages: English, I-Kiribati (Gilbertese) is widely spoken. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: Australian dollar. Capital: Bairiki islet, in Tarawa atoll. Pop: 103 248 (2013 est). Area: 684 sq km (264 sq miles)

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Example Sentences

But while Papua New Guinea has the landmass and physical resources to diversify its economy, Kiribati does not.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Numerous studies say that in the Pacific this migration will be eastwards, away from many island nations, including Kiribati.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Among the islands are 33 scattered across the centre that encompass the country of Kiribati.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Yet despite this hope, Kiribati and its territorial waters face an existential threat from climate change.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

The Gilbert Islands were granted self-rule by the UK in 1971 and complete independence in 1979 under the new name of Kiribati.

From The 2008 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency