South Pacific, Micronesia.

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

810.5 sq km (312.9 sq miles).

85,000 (UN estimate 2005).

104.9 per sq km.

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

Kiribati (pronounced ‘Kiribass’, formerly the Gilbert Islands) consists of three groups in the central Pacific: Kiribati (including Banaba, formerly Ocean Island), the Line Islands and the Phoenix Islands. The 33 islands, scattered across 5 million sq km (2 million sq miles) of the central Pacific, are low-lying coral atolls with coastal lagoons. The exception is Banaba, which is a coral formation rising to 80m (265ft). The soil is generally poor, apart from Banaba, and rainfall is variable. Coconut palms and pandanus trees comprise the main vegetation. There are no hills or streams throughout the group. Water is obtained from storage tanks or wells.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1979.

President Anote Tong since 2003.

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.

Kiribati and English.

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

240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Like the other Pacific islanders, the people are very friendly and hospitable and retain much of their traditional culture and lifestyle. In this casual atmosphere, European customs still prevail alongside local traditions. Although in official correspondence the Western convention of signing names with initials is adopted, it is more polite (and customary) to address people by their first name. Bikinis should not be worn except on the beach. Nudity and overly-scant swimming costumes are forbidden by local law.