Kiribati
Republic of Kiribati
Population
131K
GDP
$250M
Capital
Tarawa
Government
Unitary presidential republic
At a Glance
Human Development
0.6
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
6.0
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
Kiribati spans 3.5 million square kilometers of ocean across the central Pacific -- one of the world's largest exclusive economic zones from one of its smallest land areas. The country is among the most climate-vulnerable nations on Earth, with most of its 33 atolls barely two meters above sea level.
Kiribati switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019, a move that raised concerns about Beijing's growing Pacific influence. The Phoenix Islands Protected Area, one of the world's largest marine protected areas, was established in Kiribati's waters.
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As Kiribati, make the existential threat of sea-level rise personal and urgent. Your country may literally cease to exist -- no other diplomatic argument carries this weight. Demand ambitious emissions reduction targets and loss and damage funding.
Coordinate with AOSIS and the Pacific Islands Forum. Your fishing licenses and vast EEZ give you more leverage than your population suggests. Push for international legal frameworks addressing climate displacement and statelessness for sinking nations.
Foreign Policy
Kiribati's foreign policy is shaped by climate existentialism and fishing revenue diplomacy. Its vast EEZ generates significant income from fishing licenses, giving it leverage despite its tiny population. The switch to China recognition opened access to Chinese infrastructure investment and development aid.
Former President Anote Tong elevated Kiribati's climate voice globally, purchasing land in Fiji as a potential resettlement option -- a stark illustration of climate displacement.