Languages: English (official), Gilbertese
Literacy: NA
Government —————
Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Kiribati conventional short form: Kiribati note: pronounced kiribas former: Gilbert Islands
Data code: KR
Type of government: republic
Capital: Tarawa
Administrative divisions: 3 units; Gilbert Islands, Line Islands,
Phoenix Islands
note: in addition, there are 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts,
Line Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) and 21
island councils (Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru,
Butaritari, Kanton, Kiritimati, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei,
Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa, Tabiteuea, Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa,
Teraina; note - one council for each of the inhabited islands)
Independence: 12 July 1979 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 12 July (1979)