Kiribati

[ keer-ee-bah-tee, keer-uh-bas ]
/ ˌkɪər iˈbɑ ti, ˈkɪər əˌbæs /

noun

a republic in the central Pacific Ocean, on the equator, comprising 33 islands. 263 sq. mi. (681 sq. km). Capital: Tarawa.
Formerly Gilbert Islands.

Example sentences from the Web for kiribati

  • For the populations of tiny island nations like Kiribati, the threat is real and near – and any impacts would be irreversible.

    Best Business Longreads |William O’Connor |November 24, 2013 |DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for kiribati

Kiribati
/ (ˌkɪrɪˈbæs, ˌkɪrɪˈbætɪ) /

noun

an independent republic in the W Pacific: comprises 33 islands including Banaba (Ocean Island), the Gilbert and Phoenix Islands, and eight of the Line Islands; part of the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands until 1975; became self-governing in 1977 and gained full independence in 1979 as the Republic of Kiribati; a member of the Commonwealth. Official languages: English, I-Kiribati (Gilbertese) is widely spoken. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: Australian dollar. Capital: Bairiki islet, in Tarawa atoll. Pop: 103 248 (2013 est). Area: 684 sq km (264 sq miles)