The 33 islands, scattered across two million square miles of the central Pacific, are low-lying coral atolls with coastal lagoons. The soil is generally poor, apart from Banaba, and rainfall is variable. Coconut palms and pandanus trees comprise the main vegetation. There are no hills or streams throughout the group.
Water is obtained from storage tanks or wells.
Gained independence from the UK in 1979. President Teburoro Tito since 1994. The Government provides radio and postal services to all inhabited islands. Most international calls from Kiribati have to go through the operator. IDD is available throughout urban Tarawa.