The International Date Line goes around Kiribati and swings far to the east, almost reaching 150°W. This brings Kiribati's easternmost islands, the southern Line Islands south of Hawaii, into the same day as the Gilbert Islands and places them in the most advanced time zone on Earth: UTC+14. Kiribati (pronounced Kiribas) is an independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations, located in the central Pacific Ocean, about 4,000 km (about 2,500 mi) southwest of Hawaii.

Understanding the Context

It is part of the division of the Pacific islands that is known as Micronesia. Kiribati Islands: Where They Are, When to go And What to See Kiribati, officially the Republic of Kiribati, is an island nation located in the central tropical Pacific Ocean. The country's 33 atolls are scattered over 1,351,000 square miles (3,500,000 square kilometers) near the equator. Provides an overview of Kiribati, including key dates and facts about this Pacific island country.

Key Insights

Kiribati, a remote island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, is a paradise of turquoise lagoons, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life. Comprising 33 atolls and islands spread across the equator, Kiribati is renowned for its unspoiled beauty and unique culture. Islands are host to diverse plant and animal life. Oceanic islands have the sea as a natural barrier to the introduction of new species, causing the species that do reach the island to evolve in isolation. Continental islands share animal and plant life with the continent they split from.

Final Thoughts

Island, any area of land smaller than a continent and entirely surrounded by water. Islands may occur in oceans, seas, lakes, or rivers. A group of islands is called an archipelago. Islands may be classified as either continental or oceanic. Learn more about islands in this article.