Kiribati Country & Tourist Information

Location
South Pacific, Micronesia.

Area
810.5 sq km (312.9 sq miles).

Population
85,000 (UN estimate 2005).

Population Density
104.9 per sq km.

Capital
South Tarawa atoll (including Bairiki, the capital town). Population: 42,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Government
Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1979.

Language
Kiribati and English.

Religion
Christianity (53% Roman Catholic and 39% Kiribati Protestant), the Bahai Faith and Islam.

Time
Christmas (Line) Islands: GMT +14.
Phoenix Islands: GMT +13.
Gilbert Islands (including Tarawa): GMT +12.

Electricity
240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Head of Government
Presidential elections were held in July 2003, in which Anote Tong defeated his older brother, Harry. The president has identified rising population levels, youth unemployment and the threat from climate change as the country’s key issues. Tong was then returned to government in 2007 elections.

Head of State
President Anote Tong since 2003.

Telephone
Country code: 686. Most international calls from Kiribati have to go through the operator. Radio telephone calls can be arranged to most outer islands.

Mobile Telephone
GSM 900 network in use. Network provider is Telecom Services Kiribati Ltd (website: www.tskl.net.ki).

Internet
There are currently no Internet cafes in Kiribati.

Media
Freedom of speech and of the media is generally respected. The government-run radio station and newspaper offer diverse views. Both Protestant and Catholic churches publish newsletters and periodicals; these are important sources of information.

Post
Airmail to Western Europe takes up to two weeks. There is a weekly postal service for overseas mail.

Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1500.

Press
• The weekly papers are Kiribati Newstar and Te Uekera, published in English and Kiribati.
• Kiribati Business Link is published in English.

Radio
• Radio Kiribati is state run.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period. 

2009
1-2 Jan New Year's Day. 
10-13 Apr Easter.
18 Apr Health Day.
13 Jul Independence Day.
14 Jul Uniwaine Day.
15 Jul Unaine Day.
7 Aug Youth Day.
11 Dec Human Rights Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

2010
1-2 Jan New Year's Day. 
2-5 Apr Easter.
18 Apr Health Day.
12 Jul Independence Day.
13 Jul Uniwaine Day.
14 Jul Unaine Day.
7 Aug Youth Day.
11 Dec Human Rights Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

Contact Information:

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism
PO Box 510, Betio, Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati
Tel: 26157/8.
E-mail: commerce@tskl.net.ki

south-pacific.travel (South Pacific Tourism Organization) in Fiji
Street address: Level 3 FNPF Place, 343-359 Victoria Parade, Suva, Fiji
Postal address: PO Box 13119, Suva, Fiji
Tel: 330 4177.
Website: www.south-pacific.travel

Honorary Consulate of Kiribati in the UK
The Great House, Llanddewi Rhydderch, Monmouthshire NP7 9UY, UK
Tel/Fax: (01873) 840 375.
E-mail: michael.walsh@sema.co.uk
Visas issued by appointment only.

Commonwealth Resource Center in the UK
The British Empire and Commonwealth Museum, Clock Tower Yard, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QH, UK
Tel: (0117) 925 4980.
Website: www.empiremuseum.co.uk
Provides information on Kiribati.


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