land

With the exception of Banaba, all of the islands which make up the Republic of Kiribati are atolls formed by the accumulation of broken and pulverized coral upon an underwater ridge. Usually, these atolls have a lagoon in the middle. Few of them — including Kiritimati Atoll, the largest — have an elevation of more than thirteen feet (four meters) above sea level. All are surrounded by expansive reefs, which make approach by sea treacherous or impossible, particularly for larger vessels.

By contrast, Banaba is a limestone island of volcanic nature. Rising over two hundred feet above the Pacific, Banaba is the least susceptible to damage from high seas of all islands in Kiribati. However, it too is enclosed by wide coral ridges.

There is very little soil in which plants can grow, and where it is present, it is very shallow. The soil is an accumulation of whatever happens to wash ashore and the decomposed remains of dead vegetation. Few trees and other plants can make a home in this kind of environment.

Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year, remaining in the low 80°F range. The southern islands are susceptible to long periods without rainfall.

introduction | history | geography | land | population | economy
government and politics | people | outlook | conclusion | references | appendix

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