Kiribati

Kiribati is an island country located in Oceania, consisting of 32 coral atolls and one raised coral island in the Pacific Ocean, straddling the Equator, covering a land area of approximately 811 square kilometers. As of 2024, Kiribati has a population of over 116,500, with Gilbertese and English as official languages. The islands are mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs, experiencing a tropical marine climate that is hot and humid, moderated by trade winds. Tarawa serves as the capital, and the government operates as a presidential republic.

Kiribati has a lower-middle-income economy with a GDP of $307.86 million and a GDP per capita of $3,300, driven by fishing, handicrafts, and a public sector-dominated economy. Key agricultural products include coconuts, bananas, vegetables, and taro, while natural resources include phosphate (though production was discontinued in 1979), coconuts, and fish. The country has a high literacy rate of 98.6% and a life expectancy of 66.6 years. Kiribati is one of the most environmentally fragile nations on Earth, facing existential threats from climate change and rising sea levels, and relies significantly on remittances and foreign aid to support its economy.