Kiribati

Kiribati is a remote Pacific island nation made up of 33 low-lying atolls and reef islands scattered across a vast area of ocean on both sides of the equator. Its isolation, clear lagoons and unhurried way of life give the country a distinctive appeal for travellers seeking nature, fishing and cultural experiences far from mainstream tourism.

The capital, South Tarawa, is the country's political and transport centre and stretches along the Tarawa atoll between Bonriki International Airport and the harbour at Betio. Betio preserves important World War II sites from the Battle of Tarawa, while Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island, is the largest coral atoll in the world by land area and a popular base for fishing and birdwatching.

Beyond the main centres, the Gilbert, Phoenix and Line Islands contain lagoons, coral reefs and protected marine areas such as the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traditional culture remains central to daily life, with communal maneaba meeting houses, canoe building, dance and hospitality shaping visits to the outer islands.

Transport within Kiribati relies mainly on domestic flights operated by Air Kiribati, along with boats and ferries between islands. Bonriki International Airport near South Tarawa and Cassidy International Airport on Kiritimati are the main gateways, while a limited road network serves the developed parts of Tarawa and connects the airport with hotels, government offices, event venues and nearby destinations.