What is the Capital of Kiribati? Tarawa Atoll

Capital City of Kiribati: South Tarawa

City Overview

South Tarawa is the capital and largest city of Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean. Kiribati, composed of 33 atolls and islands, is known for its unique geography, being spread across a vast expanse of the ocean, yet with a total land area of just over 800 square kilometers. South Tarawa, located on Tarawa Atoll, is home to over half of the country’s population, which is around 120,000 people (as of 2023). South Tarawa serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Kiribati and is one of the most populous areas in the Pacific Islands.

South Tarawa is a narrow strip of land with an urban and rural mix, consisting of several islets, all connected by causeways. The city is characterized by its tropical climate, traditional island culture, and challenges related to rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate change. With limited land and resources, the island faces significant issues, such as overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and the constant threat of rising sea levels. Despite these challenges, South Tarawa is the heart of the nation, and the government, administrative offices, schools, and businesses are all based in this region.

Historically, South Tarawa has played an important role in the Pacific due to its strategic location and as a site of significant World War II battles. The city is also an important center for the Kiribati culture and traditions, with the people of South Tarawa maintaining strong community ties, including a robust oral history and culture of navigation.

City Facts

  • Area: Approximately 30 km²
  • Population: Around 55,000 (2023)
  • Time Zone: Gilbert Islands Time (GILT), UTC +12
  • Highest Mountain: Kiribati has no significant mountains. The highest natural point on the islands is about 3 meters above sea level, making the country one of the lowest-lying in the world.
  • Longest River: Kiribati is composed of coral atolls and lacks rivers or freshwater streams, making its water supply heavily reliant on rainwater catchments and desalination.

South Tarawa is at the forefront of environmental challenges, particularly climate change and sea level rise, which threaten the future of the capital and the country as a whole. The lack of freshwater and dependence on external aid also pose significant challenges to the population.


Major Landmarks

South Tarawa, though small and largely rural, is home to a number of important landmarks that reflect its historical significance and cultural importance.

1. The British Colonial Buildings

One of the most notable landmarks in South Tarawa is the collection of British colonial-era buildings, including the Kiribati Parliament Building, which serves as the administrative heart of the nation. These buildings, constructed during the British colonial period (Kiribati was once part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony), reflect the history of Kiribati’s governance and its ties to the United Kingdom.

2. The WWII Battle Sites and Memorials

South Tarawa was the site of fierce fighting during World War II, particularly during the Battle of Tarawa in 1943. The battle was a critical victory for the Allied forces, who fought against Japanese forces entrenched on the atoll. Today, the battle sites are marked by memorials and war cemeteries, including the Tarawa War Memorial and the Betio War Memorial, which commemorate the lives lost during the battle.

3. The Kiribati National Museum

The Kiribati National Museum, located in South Tarawa, offers visitors a glimpse into the nation’s history, culture, and traditions. The museum showcases a collection of traditional canoes, tools, clothing, and artifacts that represent the island’s heritage, as well as exhibits on the impact of European colonization and the country’s fight for independence.

4. The Te Mwaneaba (Community Halls)

The Te Mwaneaba are community meeting halls, central to Kiribati’s social structure. These traditional buildings are used for discussions, decision-making, and social gatherings, and they serve as a symbol of the country’s communal way of life. They are scattered throughout South Tarawa, reflecting the island’s community-based society.

5. South Tarawa Beaches and Lagoons

South Tarawa is also famous for its pristine beaches and beautiful lagoon, which are popular for swimming, boating, and snorkeling. The natural environment is an important part of life for the people of South Tarawa, as the lagoon provides fish and resources for subsistence living. While the beaches are beautiful, they are also threatened by rising sea levels.

6. The Abemama Bridge

The Abemama Bridge on South Tarawa connects the main islet of Tarawa with Abemama Atoll. This bridge is one of the few major infrastructure projects in the country and plays a key role in connecting people across the region for trade and communication.


Climate Overview

South Tarawa has a tropical rainforest climate. The island experiences warm, humid weather year-round, with a distinct wet season and dry season. The wet season typically occurs from November to April, while the dry season lasts from May to October. Due to its location near the equator, the island receives abundant rainfall, with occasional tropical storms and cyclones.

Monthly Climate Overview

Below is a table summarizing the average temperature, precipitation, and sunny days for each month in South Tarawa:

Month Average Temperature (°C) Precipitation (mm) Sunny Days
January 29 200 15
February 29 180 16
March 29 220 14
April 29 190 15
May 29 110 18
June 29 80 19
July 29 70 20
August 29 60 20
September 29 90 19
October 29 140 16
November 29 180 15
December 29 210 14

As shown in the table, temperatures remain consistently warm, averaging around 29°C throughout the year. The wet season, characterized by higher rainfall, occurs during the first half of the year, with the wettest months being March and December. The dry season brings slightly lower precipitation, with June to August being the driest months.


Other Cities That Have Served as Capital in Kiribati’s History

Betio (Before 1979)

Before South Tarawa became the official capital, Betio (located on Tarawa Atoll) was the capital of the British colonial administration. Betio is notable for being the site of the Battle of Tarawa, where American and Japanese forces clashed during World War II. After independence, the capital was moved to South Tarawa, which is located on the neighboring island of Bairiki.


Country Facts: Kiribati

Kiribati, officially the Republic of Kiribati, is a sovereign state in the Pacific Ocean, composed of 33 coral atolls and islands. Kiribati is located in a vast expanse of ocean, spanning across the equator, and is one of the most geographically dispersed nations in the world. The country is famous for its unique geographic position, with several of its islands straddling the International Date Line and its easternmost islands being among the first to experience a new day.

Kiribati faces significant challenges related to its low-lying geography, including rising sea levels, freshwater shortages, and limited land area. The country relies heavily on foreign aid and remittances from its diaspora, especially from islanders who have migrated to countries like New Zealand and Australia.

Country Facts

  • Population: Approximately 120,000 (2023)
  • Area: 811 km²
  • Largest City: South Tarawa
  • Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
  • Official Language: English and Kiribati (I-Kiribati)
  • ISO Country Codes: KI (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2), KIR (ISO 3166-1 alpha-3)
  • Government: Presidential Republic
  • Independence: July 12, 1979 (from the United Kingdom)

Kiribati is known for its unique environmental challenges, with rising sea levels threatening its very existence, making climate change an existential issue for the country. Despite these challenges, the people of Kiribati remain resilient, and the country continues to push for greater international cooperation and attention to the issue of climate change.

Kiribati Location Map