Quick Facts

Capital: Tarawa
Land:726sqkm - 33 islands
EEZ: 3.6 million sq km
Population: 85,000 (approx. for 2000)
Languages: English, Kiribati
Currency: Australian Dollar
Economy: Copra, fisheries and seaweed


The Economic Environment:
The Kiribati economy is small with few resources. The agricultural base, including subsistence, is narrow and averages 30% of GDP. There are over a thousand Kiribati seamen working on foreign ships. Each year, these seamen send money and goods valued at over a million dollars back home to their families. Income for the country is also generated from the licence fees of foreign vessels fishing within Kiribati EEZ. Copra, seaweed, and now pearl, are the most important cash generating products of the economy.


Contacts for further information:

* Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism
PO Box 510
Betio, Tarawa
KIRIBATI
Tel: (686) 26157 or 26158
Fax: (686) 26233
Email: commerce@tskl.net.ki


For up to date information on Kiribati, please visit the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's website link here.