Kiribati - The Next Atlantis?

Kiribati is an island state in the Pacific Ocean, which has an extremely large area. Its islands lie in both Micronesia and Polynesia. Therefore, there are very long distances between the islands. This makes Kiribati one of the greatest states on earth with regard to its area. In fact, however, Kiribati is one of the smallest states because it only has a land area of 811 km². The major part of the country's area is taken up by the Pacific Ocean with over 5.2 million km². The islands and all forms of life on them are strongly influenced by the ocean's caprices. Kiribati's best-known islands are the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, the Line Islands and Banaba Island (formerly "Ocean Island"). The climate is tropical with a lot of rain between November and March and an average yearly temperature of stuffy 28 °C.

The scenic islands of Kiribati offer green coconut palms, rare marine turtles and white beaches. And all that will not exist any more in 70 years. None of the white coral islands are more than two metres above sea level and therefore, they are particularly threatened. Some islands have already been swallowed by the sea and in less than a century, none will be left. The president and the population are trying to draw the world's attention to their destiny. The short time period of less than 100 years makes it almost impossible to take measures that would save Kiribati so it seems that the island state's fate is sealed.

Almost 100 percent of Kiribati's homogeneous population are Micronesians. Only a few people come from Polynesia or Europe. The Kiribati have been settling their islands for 3,000 years but they hardly changed. Recent attempts to connect the islands by heaped up land roads are said to have changed the ocean current which caused several islands to disappear into the sea. Life in Kiribati is generally characterised by the sea. The enormous distances between the islands make it virtually impossible for the inhabitants to get to know their whole country but they are all united by their faith and religion. The majority of the people are Christians. This is reflected in the islands' numerous churches.

As all other aspects of life, leisure time in Kiribati is all about the ocean. Most leisure and sporting activities take place on, at or in the water. Water sports such as surfing, kayaking and diving are very common. Fishing plays an important role too. The fishing grounds around Christmas Island are particularly exciting. Tourist from across the globe come here to make the big catch.

A trip to Kiribati should be planned and prepared well because only a few airlines travel to this extraordinary holiday destination.