Most of the islands of Kiribati are low lying coral atolls built on a submerged volcanic chain and encircled by reefs.

Kiribati is located near the point at which the international dateline intersects the equator. The islands are in four main groups the Gilberts, Phoenix, Northern and Southern Line Islands and Ocean Island.

Rainfall varies greatly, ranging from 40 inches yearly near the equator to 120 inches yearly in the extreme north and south. Ocean Island, the central and southern Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands and Christmas Island are also subject to severe droughts that may last many months.

Many of the people of Kiribati continue in the traditional ways of village life with their extended families. Most people live in small villages of 10 to 150 houses, which are generally built of thatch and provide good protection from the rain as well as good air circulation. The way of life is simple most islanders fish locally, grow their own food, and raise livestock. On the island of Tarawa, where the capital is located, life is changing as the urban population grows.

The Presidents Office, Parliament building and international airport are all situated on Bonriki. A number of war relics can be seen on Betio and visits to WWII battlegrounds and natural history expeditions can be organised.

Stretching for almost half the land mass of Kiribati, Christmas Island is covered in lakes and ponds and boasts some of the largest colonies of birds. Trips with studies of the local birdlife are available. Bird watching is popular, especially on Christmas Island where millions of birds swarm everywhere.

The main towns are London, Paris and Banana. Game fishing is extremely popular on the island.

There are also trips to see outrigger canoe races and dancing contests.

A community meeting house, where visitors may enjoy traditional dancing, singing and storytelling.

A fine way to get the whole picture of Kiribati is to take a flight seeing trip on board frighteningly small planes. Tours take in the islands of Abaiang, Abemama, Maiana and Tarawa, other islands can be visited on request.

The islands boast superb white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoon waters. However, swimming in south Tarawa Lagoon is not advisable due to the extent of its pollution and extreme caution is recommended on ocean side reefs. There are excellent facilities for snorkelling and deep sea fishing. It is also possible to charter boats for sailing across the Tarawa Lagoon.