811 sq km (313 sq miles).
Population:104,488 (2014).
Population density:128.8 per sq km.
Capital:Tarawa.
Government:Republic.
Head of state:President Anote Tong since 2003.
Head of government:President Anote Tong since 2003.
Electricity:240 volts AC, 50Hz. Australian-style plugs with three flat pins are used.
White sandy beaches and crystal-clear lagoon waters characterise the Republic of Kiribati: 33 coral islands scattered across the Pacific. Kiribati is remote, and the tourism industry remains very much in its infancy.
However, with the isles peppered with swaying coconut palms, swathed in balmy breezes, and waters glistening in every direction, it is hard to feel anything other than intense holiday escapism.
While lazing on desolate beaches is a huge draw, Kiribati does have an increasing population of both human and wild life.
Capital Tarawa is fast becoming one of the most densely populated areas in the Pacific, while Christmas Island, stretching for almost half the land mass of Kiribati, is carpeted with lakes and ponds great for game fishing, and boasts some of the largest colonies of birds.
