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Kiribati has evolved as a result of sparse geography - a landscape of seclusion and beauty, which is no surprise given the country has the biggest water to land ratio in the world, with land masses of which 32 atolls and 1 ocean island scattered across the pacific equatorial region. Although part of a wider pacific island community, it offers a unique, complex and beautiful culture and language ; and much of this has been maintained because of this isolation. As a traveller, learning some local words and being observant of cultural norms and customs shows respect for the local community and can help preserve its beauty.

English is widely spoken in Kiribati, and as a visitor you will have no problems communicating with the local people. Nevertheless, using some local words is certainly appreciated by the local community, and will put you in good stead for making new friends.

Note: in Kiribati language, "ti" is pronounced "ss". For example, "Kiribati" has to be pronounced "Kiribas".

Download our language guide (including Chinese, German, Japanese, and English) …click here

For more information on the I-Kiribati language:

The culture of Kiribati has greatly been preserved by the isolation that comes with being in the middle of the pacific ocean. Although missionaries begun to arrive on the shores in the 1850’s, much of the traditions and beliefs of the people have remained the same, while the adoption of Christianity has created its own interesting history (see our history page...). Today many of the outer islands live in very traditional ways, and are always very welcoming of guests. Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati, is more influence by development and globalisation – however spend a little time on Tarawa and you soon find out that beyond the busses, nightlife and shops people maintain traditional customs, values and way of life.

The essence of community is common – people form community through sharing of objects, environments and spaces, and this is a lot in Kiribati. With many people in a small place, people share the natural resources that they live off. The I-Kiribati people often live in close quarters with their extended family, and living and working in harmony with neighbours and family is of high importance. Few things go unnoticed in a small community, and privacy becomes a premium. As each family still fends for itself, things such as the best places for fishing, handicraft techniques and other skills are kept within the family. While today’s international companies might think they invented ‘strategic intelligence’ and the ‘knowledge economy’, the I-Kiribati have been doing this for centuries.

At the centre of community life is the Maneaba – a rectangular structure used as a meeting place for the village community. This is where traditional meetings are held, including celebrations known as botaki. The I-Kiribati hold a very special celebration for the 1st birthday of their children, especially for their first born child. Other big botakis include weddings and the 21st birthday. All of the extended family will contribute to funding the botaki.

Celebration is something the Kiribati people certainly love. Any visitors to Kiribati in the Christian events of Easter or Christmas will see many botakis, and as much traditional dancing and singing as one could ever wish for. The same goes for Kiribati Independence Day (the 12th of July), when there is competitions in dancing, choir, singing, and various sporting event including traditional wrestling, canoe and miniature canoe racing, and Oreano, a sport involving throwing large heavy balls toward the other team and hoping they can not catch it.

Traditional daily life in Kiribati is revolves around living off the resources of the island – this might be taking the sailing canoe out to catch fish for the daily meal, cutting toddy to drink, harvesting coconuts or breadfruit, or weaving craft from the leave of the coconut tree. The island and surrounding sea provide everything, from food, shelter, clothing, furniture, or medicine. In much of Kiribati, particularly the outer islands, this traditional lifestyle is everyday existence, governed by the extended family unit and the island council. Even in the more developed South Tarawa, you will see the men climbing coconut trees to cut toddy every morning, and see traditional dancing and singing at celebrations and botakis.

It is difficult to draw a line between the modern culture of Kiribati and the traditional as the two are intricately interwoven. Christianity was bought to Kiribati in the 1850’s and has been readily adopted, and now adds an extra layer. Globalisation, development and rapid population growth have heavily influenced the capital of South Tarawa, though you will find traditional kia-kias next to brick houses. Behind the busses, bars and restaurants there is still traditional values, beliefs and customs. You might find the Kiribati youth working hard on the sporting field, with sport taken very seriously. At the same time they are quick to break into laughter. Endeavours on the sporting field might be followed by a traditional style meeting, where the young people practice traditional speeches, leadership and ritual ; this is part in keeping with their norm, and also practice for the formal environment they will soon encounter as adults in the Maneaba.

In contrast, on the outer islands you will find people living traditional lives, the same way they have for centuries. To add to this, different islands have cultural differences and customs - for example, in Abaiang there is one islet that has a custom of doing the traditional island welcome anti-clockwise, while every other island in Kiribati has a clockwise traditional welcome.

To see suggested Cultural Experience itineries ...click here

Download our local customs guide ...click here

For more information on Kiribati Culture: