🇰🇮 On this day — July 12, 1979, Kiribati gained independence from Britain. A small but unique country: it is the only country on Earth that spans all four hemispheres!
On this day: July 12, 1979 — Kiribati’s independence, the only country in both hemispheres!
On the twelfth of July, 1979, a country was born that is the most unique in the world in terms of geography. Kiribati (pronounced “Kee-ree-bahss”), that group of small islands in the Pacific Ocean, gained independence from Britain, becoming one of the strangest and most beautiful countries in the world.
Kiribati’s name may not be familiar to many, but this country has what sets it apart from all the countries of the world. It is the only country on the planet whose territory spans all four hemispheres — Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western — simultaneously! Yes, imagine a single country covering all four quarters of the globe. And that’s not all.
Kiribati’s independence story
The Gilbert Islands (Kiribati’s former name) had been under British protection since 1892, then became a British colony. But with the wave of liberation and independence that swept the world in the 1960s and 1970s, the islanders demanded their right to self-determination.
On July 12, 1979, the flag of Kiribati was raised for the first time in the southern capital of Tarawa, and the country officially became independent from Britain. The country’s first president was Ieremia Tabai, who took office at the age of just 29, making him one of the youngest heads of state in history.
The new constitution granted Kiribati a parliamentary republican system, with an executive president elected by the people. Britain still maintains close ties with the small nation, where the British monarch (symbolically) remains part of some traditions.
Kiribati: a country of 33 coral atolls
Kiribati consists of 33 coral atolls (atolls) and one raised island. But the numbers don’t tell the full story, as these small islands are spread over an enormous ocean area of 3.5 million square kilometers — roughly the size of India! However, the actual land area does not exceed 811 square kilometers.
Its most famous islands are:
- Tarawa — the capital and largest city
- Kiritimati (Christmas Island) — the world’s largest coral atoll by area
- Banaba — the only raised island
Kiribati is also notable for being the first country in the world to greet the sunrise every day, as its easternmost islands lie in the UTC+14 time zone!
Challenges facing Kiribati
Unfortunately, this tropical paradise faces an existential threat: rising sea levels. Kiribati’s highest point does not exceed a few meters above sea level. Projections indicate that large parts of the country could be submerged within this century if global warming continues.
Former President Anote Tong was one of the most prominent advocates for climate change action, warning the world that his country could become the first to disappear entirely due to climate change. Kiribati has purchased land in Fiji as a strategic refuge for its people in the worst-case scenarios.
Quick facts about Kiribati
- Population: approximately 120,000
- Official languages: English and Gilbertese
- Religion: over 96% Christian
- Currency: Australian Dollar
- Most popular sport: Football and volleyball
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the name “Kiribati” so unusual?
A: The name is the local pronunciation of the word “Gilberts” (Gilbert Islands) in the islanders’ language. The letter “s” turns into “ti” in their language, so “Gilberts” became “Kiribati”.
Q: How can a country be in all four hemispheres?
A: Kiribati’s islands are spread across the Equator (Northern and Southern hemispheres) and the International Date Line (Eastern and Western hemispheres). Its islands span a distance of 3,800
kilometer from east to west.
Q: Is Kiribati truly at risk from climate change?
A: Yes, unfortunately. Most of the islands do not exceed two meters in height above sea level. Two entire villages have already been submerged in the past decade.
Q: What does Kiribati’s flag represent?
A: The flag depicts a golden frigatebird (Fregatidae) soaring above a golden sun rising from a blue ocean, with three wavy white lines symbolizing the Pacific Ocean.
Kiribati is a beautiful reminder that beauty and grandeur are not exclusive to large nations. These small islands carry a unique story of survival, hope, and identity, and deserve to be known more.
