Step into a mesmerizing Pacific wonderland as we unveil 15 captivating Kiribati facts that will transport you to a land of breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nestled amidst the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, Kiribati is an island nation brimming with unique treasures waiting to be explored. From its stunning coral atolls to its vibrant traditions and fascinating history, Kiribati has captured the hearts of travelers and adventurers alike. Join us on a journey to discover the secrets of this enchanting paradise, where time zones play tricks, music fills the air, and the warm smiles of its people will leave an everlasting impression. So, don your virtual snorkel, pack your curiosity, and let’s dive headfirst into the irresistible allure of Kiribati!
1-5 Fun Facts About Kiribati
1. Kiribati is facing a serious-problem – it’s becoming the Atlantis of our time! It is the first country that will be entirely lost to rising sea levels, and it is already planning complete and permanent evacuation of its population due to climate change impacts.
2. To counter the risk of rising sea levels, Kiribati has bought 6000 acres of land from Fiji to relocate its people to a safer place.
3. Kiribati is the only country in the world to lie in all four hemispheres.
4. The warriors on the Pacific Island of Kiribati traditionally fought using porcupinefish helmets and wooden swords lined with shark’s teeth.
5. When the new year’s fireworks light up the sky, Kiribati and Samoa beat everyone to the party! They are the first countries to welcome the new year with open arms.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Kiribati
6. Ever wonder how Kiribati came up with the word for “dog”? Apparently, it’s all thanks to European explorers shouting “come here” to their dogs. The natives heard it, liked it, and voilà, “kamea” became the Gilbertese word for “dog.” Europeans, unintentionally naming dogs since forever!
7. Agriculture is not practiced in Kiribati due to the poor quality of soil and variation in rainfalls. But don’t worry, the ocean’s got them covered, with fishing being a major-part of their economy and seafood ruling the dinner table.
8. No Income Tax: Kiribati is one of the few countries in the world that does not impose personal income tax on its citizens.
9. Kiribati does not have an army and is one of 21 countries worldwide without military forces.
10. Despite its beauty, Kiribati is the third-least visited country in the world, with only around 6,000 visitors a year.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Kiribati
11. In 2011, two Kiribati fishermen were lost at sea for 33 days before finally landing in the Marshall Islands. To their surprise, they learned that their uncle, who had been presumed dead after going adrift 25 years earlier, had also ended up in the Marshall Islands and had married there.
12. During the late 1950s, Kiribati was used as a nuclear weapon test site by the UK. The locals living on the islands were not evacuated during these tests, which stopped in 1963 with the signing of a treaty to ban nuclear testing in the atmosphere, space, and underwater.
13. During World War II, Kiribati had some unexpected house guests: Japan! The US forces swooped in during the Battle of Tarawa in 1943, kicking Japan out like unwelcome squatters.
14. Despite having a small land area of 811 sq km, Kiribati is spread across an area roughly the size of India.
15. Kiribati is made up of 33 atolls, of which only 20 are inhabited. Atolls are ring-shaped reefs or series of islets caused by submerged volcanoes.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading about 20 Awesome Kiribati facts
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