The Republic of Kirabati PART 1. GENERAL INFORMATION Capital City; South Tarawa Population; 120000 Language; English & Gilbertese Currency; Australia Dollar Time in spend in Kiribati; 4 Days Part 1 GENERAL INFORMATION Kiribati is located in the middle of the South Pacific and 50% of the population lives on the one atoll called Tarawa. In total the country consist of 32 atolls plus one raised coral island called Banaba Their spread straddles the equator, The International date line goes round Kiribati and swings far to the east, This brings Kiribati’s easternmost islands, the southern Line Islands into the same day as the Gilbert Islands and places them in the most advanced time zone on Earth: UTC + 14. Kiribati is one of the few countries in the world to be situated in all four hemispheres. Since 1979 Kiribati is independent from the United Kingdom. Kiribati has some beautiful beach scenery, is a great place for around the world boating or yachting community and many of the atolls are great to explore on bike or foot. The lagoons are stunning to look at and the white sandy beaches and waving palm trees. On the outer islands you’ll find traditional culture is still very much alive. Of special interest is the Phoenix island marine protected area, which is the world largest marine protected area boasting some gorgeous scenery, white beaches, blue water lagoons and perfect snorkeling and amazing underwater coral life. Gaining access to the islands isn’t easy and although there are rumors of plans to open the region a bit more for tourist purposes, you probably won’t be able to scuba dive there in the near future.