This entry includes the mean elevation and elevation extremes, lowest point and highest point.

Topic: Afghanistanhighest point: Noshak 7,492 m

lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m

mean elevation: 1,884 m

Topic: Albaniahighest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,764 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 708 m

Topic: Algeriahighest point: Tahat 2,908 m

lowest point: Chott Melrhir -40 m

mean elevation: 800 m

Topic: American Samoahighest point: Lata Mountain 964 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Andorrahighest point: Pic de Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m

lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m

mean elevation: 1,996 m

Topic: Angolahighest point: Moca 2,620 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,112 m

Topic: Anguillahighest point: Crocus Hill 73 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Antarcticahighest point: Vinson Massif 4,892 m

lowest point: Denman Glacier more than -3,500 m (-11,500 ft) below sea level

mean elevation: 2,300 m

note: the lowest known land point in Antarctica is hidden in the Denman Glacier; at its surface is the deepest ice yet discovered and the world's lowest elevation not under seawater

Topic: Antigua and Barbudahighest point: Mount Obama 402 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Arctic Oceanhighest point: sea level

lowest point: Molloy Deep -5,577 m

mean depth: -1,205 m

ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m.

The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth.

The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible.

The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness.

Topic: Argentinahighest point: Cerro Aconcagua (located in the northwestern corner of the province of Mendoza; highest point in South America) 6,962 m

lowest point: Laguna del Carbon (located between Puerto San Julian and Comandante Luis Piedra Buena in the province of Santa Cruz) -105 m

mean elevation: 595 m

Topic: Armeniahighest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' 4,090 m

lowest point: Debed River 400 m

mean elevation: 1,792 m

Topic: Arubahighest point: Ceru Jamanota 188 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islandshighest point: Cartier Island 5 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Atlantic Oceanhighest point: sea level

lowest point: Puerto Rico Trench -8,605 m

mean depth: -3,646 m

ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m.

The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth.

The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible.

The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness.

Topic: Australiahighest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,228 m

lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m

mean elevation: 330 m

Topic: Austriahighest point: Grossglockner 3,798 m

lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m

mean elevation: 910 m

Topic: Azerbaijanhighest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,466 m

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

mean elevation: 384 m

Topic: Bahamas, Thehighest point: 1.3 km NE of Old Bight on Cat Island 64 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it indicates the wrong high elevation point

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Bahrainhighest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 135 m

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

Topic: Bangladeshhighest point: Mowdok Taung 1,060 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 85 m

Topic: Barbadoshighest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Belarushighest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m

lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m

mean elevation: 160 m

Topic: Belgiumhighest point: Botrange 694 m

lowest point: North Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 181 m

Topic: Belizehighest point: Doyle's Delight 1,124 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 173 m

Topic: Beninhighest point: unnamed elevation located 2.5 km southeast of the town of Kotopounga 675 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 273 m

Topic: Bermudahighest point: Town Hill 79 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Bhutanhighest point: Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m

lowest point: Drangeme Chhu 97 m

mean elevation: 2,220 m

Topic: Boliviahighest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m

lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m

mean elevation: 1,192 m

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinahighest point: Maglic 2,386 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 500 m

Topic: Botswanahighest point: Manyelanong Hill 1,495 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m

mean elevation: 1,013 m

Topic: Bouvet Islandhighest point: Olavtoppen (Olav Peak) 780 m

lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Brazilhighest point: Pico da Neblina 2,994 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 320 m

Topic: British Indian Ocean Territoryhighest point: ocean-side dunes on Diego Garcia 9 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: British Virgin Islandshighest point: Mount Sage 521 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Bruneihighest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 478 m

Topic: Bulgariahighest point: Musala 2,925 m

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 472 m

Topic: Burkina Fasohighest point: Tena Kourou 749 m

lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m

mean elevation: 297 m

Topic: Burmahighest point: Gamlang Razi 5,870 m

lowest point: Andaman Sea/Bay of Bengal 0 m

mean elevation: 702 m

Topic: Burundihighest point: unnamed elevation on Mukike Range 2,685 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m

mean elevation: 1,504 m

Topic: Cabo Verdehighest point: Mt. Fogo (a volcano on Fogo Island) 2,829 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Cambodiahighest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

mean elevation: 126 m

Topic: Cameroonhighest point: Fako on Mont Cameroun 4,045 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 667 m

Topic: Canadahighest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m

lowest point: Atlantic/Pacific/Arctic Oceans 0 m

mean elevation: 487 m

Topic: Cayman Islandshighest point: 1 km SW of The Bluff on Cayman Brac 50 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Central African Republichighest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,410 m

lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m

mean elevation: 635 m

Topic: Chadhighest point: Emi Koussi 3,445 m

lowest point: Djourab 160 m

mean elevation: 543 m

Topic: Chilehighest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,893 m (highest volcano in the world)

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,871 m

Topic: Chinahighest point: Mount Everest (highest peak in Asia and highest point on earth above sea level) 8,849 m

lowest point: Turpan Pendi (Turfan Depression) -154 m

mean elevation: 1,840 m

Topic: Christmas Islandhighest point: Murray Hill 361 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Clipperton Islandhighest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandshighest point: South Point on South Island 9 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Colombiahighest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,730 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 593 m

Topic: Comoroshighest point: Karthala 2,360 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thehighest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5,110 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 726 m

Topic: Congo, Republic of thehighest point: Mont Nabeba 1,020 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 430 m

Topic: Cook Islandshighest point: Te Manga 652 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Coral Sea Islandshighest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 9 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Costa Ricahighest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,819 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 746 m

Topic: Cote d'Ivoirehighest point: Monts Nimba 1,752 m

lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m

mean elevation: 250 m

Topic: Croatiahighest point: Dinara 1,831 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 331 m

Topic: Cubahighest point: Pico Turquino 1,974 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 108 m

Topic: Curacaohighest point: Mt. Christoffel 372 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Cyprushighest point: Mount Olympus 1,951 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 91 m

Topic: Czechiahighest point: Snezka 1,602 m

lowest point: Labe (Elbe) River 115 m

mean elevation: 433 m

Topic: Denmarkhighest point: Store Mollehoj 171 m

lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m

mean elevation: 34 m

Topic: Djiboutihighest point: Moussa Ali 2,021 m

lowest point: Lac Assal -155 m

mean elevation: 430 m

Topic: Dominicahighest point: Morne Diablotins 1,447 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Dominican Republichighest point: Pico Duarte 3,098 m

lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m

mean elevation: 424 m

Topic: Ecuadorhighest point: Chimborazo 6,267

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,117 m

note: because the earth is not a perfect sphere and has an equatorial bulge, the highest point on the planet farthest from its center is Mount Chimborazo not Mount Everest, which is merely the highest peak above sea level

Topic: Egypthighest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m

lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m

mean elevation: 321 m

Topic: El Salvadorhighest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 442 m

Topic: Equatorial Guineahighest point: Pico Basile 3,008 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 577 m

Topic: Eritreahighest point: Soira 3,018 m

lowest point: near Kulul within the Danakil Depression -75 m

mean elevation: 853 m

Topic: Estoniahighest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 61 m

Topic: Eswatinihighest point: Emlembe 1,862 m

lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m

mean elevation: 305 m

Topic: Ethiopiahighest point: Ras Dejen 4,550 m

lowest point: Danakil Depression -125 m

mean elevation: 1,330 m

Topic: European Unionhighest point: Mont Blanc, France 4,810 m

lowest point: Zuidplaspolder, Netherlands -7 m

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Faroe Islandshighest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Fijihighest point: Tomanivi 1,324 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Finlandhighest point: Halti (alternatively Haltia, Haltitunturi, Haltiatunturi) 1,328 m

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 164 m

Topic: Francehighest point: Mont Blanc 4,810

lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m

mean elevation: 375 m

note: to assess the possible effects of climate change on the ice and snow cap of Mont Blanc, its surface and peak have been extensively measured in recent years; these new peak measurements have exceeded the traditional height of 4,807 m and have varied between 4,808 m and 4,811 m; the actual rock summit is 4,792 m and is 40 m away from the ice-covered summit

Topic: French Polynesiahighest point: Mont Orohena 2,241 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landshighest point: Mont de la Dives on Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 867 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest points throughout the French Southern and Antarctic Lands: unnamed location on Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 272 m; Pic Marion-Dufresne in Iles Crozet 1090 m; Mont Ross in Iles Kerguelen 1850 m; unnamed location on Bassas de India (Iles Eparses) 2.4 m;24 unnamed location on Europa Island (Iles Eparses) 24 m; unnamed location on Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) 12 m; unnamed location on Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) 10 m; unnamed location on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) 7 m

Topic: Gabonhighest point: Mont Bengoue 1,050 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 377 m

Topic: Gambia, Thehighest point: unnamed elevation 3 km southeast of the town of Sabi 63 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location of the high elevation

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 34 m

Topic: Gaza Striphighest point: Abu 'Awdah (Joz Abu 'Awdah) 105 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Topic: Georgiahighest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,193 m

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 1,432 m

Topic: Germanyhighest point: Zugspitze 2,963 m

lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.5 m

mean elevation: 263 m

Topic: Ghanahighest point: Mount Afadjato 885 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 190 m

Topic: Gibraltarhighest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Topic: Greecehighest point: Mount Olympus 2,917

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 498 m

note: Mount Olympus actually has 52 peaks but its highest point, Mytikas (meaning "nose"), rises to 2,917 meters; in Greek mythology, Olympus' Mytikas peak was the home of the Greek gods

Topic: Greenlandhighest point: Gunnbjorn Fjeld 3,694 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,792 m

Topic: Grenadahighest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Guamhighest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Guatemalahighest point: Volcan Tajumulco (highest point in Central America) 4,220 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 759 m

Topic: Guernseyhighest point: Le Moulin on Sark 114 m

lowest point: English Channel 0 m

Topic: Guineahighest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 472 m

Topic: Guinea-Bissauhighest point: Dongol Ronde 277 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location of the high elevation

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 70 m

Topic: Guyanahighest point: Laberintos del Norte on Mount Roraima 2,775 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 207 m

Topic: Haitihighest point: Pic la Selle 2,674 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 470 m

Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandshighest point: Mawson Peak on Big Ben volcano 2,745 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)highest point: Vatican Gardens (Vatican Hill) 78 m

lowest point: Saint Peter's Square 19 m

Topic: Hondurashighest point: Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 684 m

Topic: Hong Konghighest point: Tai Mo Shan 958 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

Topic: Hungaryhighest point: Kekes 1,014 m

lowest point: Tisza River 78 m

mean elevation: 143 m

Topic: Icelandhighest point: Hvannadalshnukur (at Vatnajokull Glacier) 2,110 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 557 m

Topic: Indiahighest point: Kanchenjunga 8,586 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 160 m

Topic: Indian Oceanhighest point: sea level

lowest point: Java Trench -7,192 m unnamed deep

mean depth: -3,741 m

ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m.

The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth.

The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible.

The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness.

Topic: Indonesiahighest point: Puncak Jaya 4,884 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 367 m

Topic: Iranhighest point: Kuh-e Damavand 5,625 m

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

mean elevation: 1,305 m

Topic: Iraqhighest point: Cheekha Dar (Kurdish for "Black Tent") 3,611 m

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation: 312 m

Topic: Irelandhighest point: Carrauntoohil 1,041 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 118 m

Topic: Isle of Manhighest point: Snaefell 621 m

lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m

Topic: Israelhighest point: Mitspe Shlagim 2,224 m; note - this is the highest named point, the actual highest point is an unnamed dome slightly to the west of Mitspe Shlagim at 2,236 m; both points are on the northeastern border of Israel, along the southern end of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range

lowest point: Dead Sea -431 m

mean elevation: 508 m note - does not include elevation data from the Golan Heights

Topic: Italyhighest point: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de Courmayeur (a secondary peak of Mont Blanc) 4,748 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 538 m

Topic: Jamaicahighest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 18 m

Topic: Jan Mayenhighest point: Haakon VII Toppen on Beerenberg 2,277

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m

note: Beerenberg volcano has numerous peaks; the highest point on the volcano rim is named Haakon VII Toppen, after Norway's first king following the reestablishment of Norwegian independence in 1905

Topic: Japanhighest point: Mount Fuji 3,776 m

lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m

mean elevation: 438 m

Topic: Jerseyhighest point: Les Platons 136 m

lowest point: English Channel 0 m

Topic: Jordanhighest point: Jabal Umm ad Dami 1,854 m

lowest point: Dead Sea -431 m

mean elevation: 812 m

Topic: Kazakhstanhighest point: Pik Khan-Tengri 7,010 m
note - the northern most 7,000 meter peak in the World

lowest point: Qauyndy Oyysy -132 m

mean elevation: 387 m

Topic: Kenyahighest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 762 m

Topic: Kiribatihighest point: unnamed elevation on Banaba 81 m m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 2 m

Topic: Korea, Northhighest point: Paektu-san 2,744 m

lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m

mean elevation: 600 m

Topic: Korea, Southhighest point: Halla-san 1,950 m

lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m

mean elevation: 282 m

Topic: Kosovohighest point: Gjeravica/Deravica 2,656 m

lowest point: Drini i Bardhe/Beli Drim (located on the border with Albania) 297 m

mean elevation: 450 m

Topic: Kuwaithighest point: 3.6 km W. of Al-Salmi Border Post 300 m

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation: 108 m

Topic: Kyrgyzstanhighest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m

mean elevation: 2,988 m

Topic: Laoshighest point: Phu Bia 2,817 m

lowest point: Mekong River 70 m

mean elevation: 710 m

Topic: Latviahighest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 87 m

Topic: Lebanonhighest point: Qornet es Saouda 3,088 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 1,250 m

Topic: Lesothohighest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m

lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m

mean elevation: 2,161 m

Topic: Liberiahighest point: Mount Wuteve 1,447 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 243 m

Topic: Libyahighest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m

lowest point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m

mean elevation: 423 m

Topic: Liechtensteinhighest point: Vorder-Grauspitz 2,599 m

lowest point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m

Topic: Lithuaniahighest point: Aukstojas 294 m

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 110 m

Topic: Luxembourghighest point: Buurgplaatz 559 m

lowest point: Moselle River 133 m

mean elevation: 325 m

Topic: Macauhighest point: Alto Coloane 172 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

Topic: Madagascarhighest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 615 m

Topic: Malawihighest point: Sapitwa (Mount Mlanje) 3,002 m

lowest point: junction of the Shire River and international boundary with Mozambique 37 m

mean elevation: 779 m

Topic: Malaysiahighest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,095 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 419 m

Topic: Maldiveshighest point: 8th tee, golf course, Villingi Island 5 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 2 m

Topic: Malihighest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m

lowest point: Senegal River 23 m

mean elevation: 343 m

Topic: Maltahighest point: Ta'Dmejrek on Dingli Cliffs 253 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Topic: Marshall Islandshighest point: East-central Airik Island, Maloelap Atoll 14 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 2 m

Topic: Mauritaniahighest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m

lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m

mean elevation: 276 m

Topic: Mauritiushighest point: Mont Piton 828 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Mexicohighest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,636 m

lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m

mean elevation: 1,111 m

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofhighest point: Nanlaud on Pohnpei 782 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Moldovahighest point: Dealul Balanesti 430 m

lowest point: Dniester (Nistru) 2 m

mean elevation: 139 m

Topic: Monacohighest point: Chemin des Revoires on Mont Agel 162 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

Topic: Mongoliahighest point: Nayramadlin Orgil (Khuiten Peak) 4,374 m

lowest point: Hoh Nuur 560 m

mean elevation: 1,528 m

Topic: Montenegrohighest point: Zia Kolata 2,534 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 1,086 m

Topic: Montserrathighest point: Soufriere Hills volcano pre-eruption height was 915 m; current lava dome is subject to periodic build up and collapse; estimated dome height was 1,050 m in 2015

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Moroccohighest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m

lowest point: Sebkha Tah -59 m

mean elevation: 909 m

Topic: Mozambiquehighest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 345 m

Topic: Namibiahighest point: Konigstein on Brandberg 2,573 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,141 m

Topic: Nauruhighest point: Command Ridge 70 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Navassa Islandhighest point: 200 m NNW of lighthouse 85 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Nepalhighest point: Mount Everest (highest peak in Asia and highest point on earth above sea level) 8,849 m

lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m

mean elevation: 2,565 m

Topic: Netherlandshighest point: Mount Scenery (on the island of Saba in the Caribbean, now considered an integral part of the Netherlands following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles) 862 m

lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m

mean elevation: 30 m

note: the highest point on continental Netherlands is Vaalserberg at 322 m

Topic: New Caledoniahighest point: Mont Panie 1,628 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: New Zealandhighest point: Aoraki/Mount Cook 3,724 m; note - the mountain's height was 3,764 m until 14 December 1991 when it lost about 10 m in an avalanche of rock and ice; erosion of the ice cap since then has brought the height down another 30 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 388 m

Topic: Nicaraguahighest point: Mogoton 2,085 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 298 m

Topic: Nigerhighest point: Idoukal-n-Taghes 2,022 m

lowest point: Niger River 200 m

mean elevation: 474 m

Topic: Nigeriahighest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 380 m

Topic: Niuehighest point: unnamed elevation 1.4 km east of Hikutavake 80 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Norfolk Islandhighest point: Mount Bates 319 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: North Macedoniahighest point: Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,764 m

lowest point: Vardar River 50 m

mean elevation: 741 m

Topic: Northern Mariana Islandshighest point: Agrihan Volcano 965 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Norwayhighest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 460 m

Topic: Omanhighest point: Jabal Shams 3,004 m

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 310 m

Topic: Pacific Oceanhighest point: sea level

lowest point: Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench -10,924 m
note - the Pacific Ocean is the deepest ocean basin

mean depth: -4,080 m

ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m.

The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth.

The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible.

The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness.

Topic: Pakistanhighest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 900 m

Topic: Palauhighest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Panamahighest point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 360 m

Topic: Papua New Guineahighest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 667 m

Topic: Paracel Islandshighest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

Topic: Paraguayhighest point: Cerro Pero 842 m

lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m

mean elevation: 178 m

Topic: Peruhighest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,746 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,555 m

Topic: Philippineshighest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 442 m

Topic: Pitcairn Islandshighest point: Palwala Valley Point on Big Ridge 347 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Polandhighest point: Rysy 2,499 m

lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m

mean elevation: 173 m

Topic: Portugalhighest point: Ponta do Pico (Pico or Pico Alto) on Ilha do Pico in the Azores 2,351 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 372 m

Topic: Puerto Ricohighest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 261 m

Topic: Qatarhighest point: Tuwayyir al Hamir 103 m

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation: 28 m

Topic: Romaniahighest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 414 m

Topic: Russiahighest point: Gora El'brus (highest point in Europe) 5,642 m

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

mean elevation: 600 m

Topic: Rwandahighest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m

mean elevation: 1,598 m

Topic: Saint Barthelemyhighest point: Morne du Vitet 286 m

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhahighest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 859 m; Green Mountain on Ascension Island 818 m; Mount Actaeon on Saint Helena Island 2,060 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevishighest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Saint Luciahighest point: Mount Gimie 948 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Saint Martinhighest point: Pic du Paradis 424 m

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonhighest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadineshighest point: La Soufriere 1,234 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Samoahighest point: Mount Silisili 1,857 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: San Marinohighest point: Monte Titano 739 m

lowest point: Torrente Ausa 55 m

Topic: Sao Tome and Principehighest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Saudi Arabiahighest point: As Sarawat range, 3,000 m

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation: 665 m

Topic: Senegalhighest point: unnamed elevation 2.8 km southeast of Nepen Diaka 648 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 69 m

Topic: Serbiahighest point: Midzor 2,169 m

lowest point: Danube and Timok Rivers 35 m

mean elevation: 442 m

Topic: Seychelleshighest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

Topic: Sierra Leonehighest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 279 m

Topic: Singaporehighest point: Bukit Timah 166 m

lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m

Topic: Sint Maartenhighest point: Mount Flagstaff 383 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Slovakiahighest point: Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m

lowest point: Bodrok River 94 m

mean elevation: 458 m

Topic: Sloveniahighest point: Triglav 2,864 m

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 492 m

Topic: Solomon Islandshighest point: Mount Popomanaseu 2,335 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Somaliahighest point: Mount Shimbiris 2,460 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 410 m

Topic: South Africahighest point: Ntheledi (Mafadi) 3,450 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,034 m

Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islandshighest point: Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Topic: South Sudanhighest point: Kinyeti 3,187 m

lowest point: White Nile 381 m

Topic: Southern Oceanhighest point: sea level

lowest point: southern end of the South Sandwich Trench -7,434 m unnamed deep

mean depth: -3,270 m

ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m.

The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth.

The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible.

The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness.

Topic: Spainhighest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 660 m

Topic: Spratly Islandshighest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 6 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

Topic: Sri Lankahighest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 228 m

Topic: Sudanhighest point: Jabal Marrah 3,042 m

lowest point: Red Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 568 m

Topic: Surinamehighest point: Juliana Top 1,230 m

lowest point: unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m

mean elevation: 246 m

Topic: Svalbardhighest point: Newtontoppen 1,717 m

lowest point: Arctic Ocean 0 m

Topic: Swedenhighest point: Kebnekaise South 2,100 m

lowest point: reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad -2.4 m

mean elevation: 320 m

Topic: Switzerlandhighest point: Dufourspitze 4,634 m

lowest point: Lake Maggiore 195 m

mean elevation: 1,350 m

Topic: Syriahighest point: Mount Hermon (Jabal a-Shayk) 2,814 m

lowest point: Yarmuk River -66 m

mean elevation: 514 m

Topic: Taiwanhighest point: Yu Shan 3,952 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 1,150 m

Topic: Tajikistanhighest point: Qullai Somoniyon 7,495 m

lowest point: Syr Darya (Sirdaryo) 300 m

mean elevation: 3,186 m

Topic: Tanzaniahighest point: Kilimanjaro (highest point in Africa) 5,895 m

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 1,018 m

Topic: Thailandhighest point: Doi Inthanon 2,565 m

lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m

mean elevation: 287 m

Topic: Timor-Lestehighest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m

lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m

Topic: Togohighest point: Mont Agou 986 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 236 m

Topic: Tokelauhighest point: unnamed location 5 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Tongahighest point: Kao Volcano on Kao Island 1,046 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagohighest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 83 m

Topic: Tunisiahighest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m

lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m

mean elevation: 246 m

Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)highest point: Mount Ararat 5,137 m

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 1,132 m

Topic: Turkmenistanhighest point: Gora Ayribaba 3,139 m

lowest point: Vpadina Akchanaya (Sarygamysh Koli is a lake in northern Turkmenistan with a water level that fluctuates above and below the elevation of Vpadina Akchanaya, the lake has dropped as low as -110 m) -81 m

mean elevation: 230 m

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandshighest point: Blue Hill on Providenciales and Flamingo Hill on East Caicos 48 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Tuvaluhighest point: unnamed location 5 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 2 m

Topic: Ugandahighest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m

lowest point: Albert Nile 614 m

Topic: Ukrainehighest point: Hora Hoverla 2,061 m

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 175 m

Topic: United Arab Emirateshighest point: Jabal Bil 'Ays 1,905 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location of the high elevation

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

mean elevation: 149 m

Topic: United Kingdomhighest point: Ben Nevis 1,345 m

lowest point: The Fens -4 m

mean elevation: 162 m

Topic: United Stateshighest point: Denali 6,190 m (Mount McKinley) (highest point in North America)

lowest point: Death Valley (lowest point in North America) -86 m

mean elevation: 760 m

note: Denali is one of the most striking features on the entire planet; at 20,310 feet, it is the crowning peak of the Alaska Range and the highest mountain on North America; it towers three and one-half vertical miles above its base, making it a mile taller from base to summit than Mt. Everest; Denali's base sits at about 2,000 feet above sea level and rises over three and one-half miles to its 20,310 foot summit; Everest begins on a 14,000-foot high plain, then summits at 29,028 feet.
note: the peak of Mauna Kea (4,207 m above sea level) on the island of Hawaii rises about 10,200 m above the Pacific Ocean floor; by this measurement, it is the world's tallest mountain - higher than Mount Everest (8,850 m), which is recognized as the tallest mountain above sea level

Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refugeshighest point: Baker Island, unnamed location 8 m; Howland Island, unnamed location 3 m; Jarvis Island, unnamed location 7 m; Johnston Atoll, Sand Island 10 m; Kingman Reef, unnamed location 2 m; Midway Islands, unnamed location less than 13 m; Palmyra Atoll, unnamed location 3 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Uruguayhighest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 109 m

Topic: Uzbekistanhighest point: Xazrat Sulton Tog' 4,643 m
note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location and name of the high elevation

lowest point: Sariqamish Kuli -12 m

Topic: Vanuatuhighest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Venezuelahighest point: Pico Bolivar 4,978 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 450 m

Topic: Vietnamhighest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 398 m

Topic: Virgin Islandshighest point: Crown Mountain 474 m

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Topic: Wake Islandhighest point: unnamed location 8 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: Wallis and Futunahighest point: Mont Singavi (on Futuna) 522 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Topic: West Bankhighest point: Khallat al Batrakh 1,020 m

lowest point: Dead Sea -431 m

Topic: Worldhighest point: Mount Everest 8,849 m

lowest point: Denman Glacier (Antarctica) more than -3,500 m (in the oceanic realm, Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is the lowest point, lying -10,924 m below the surface of the Pacific Ocean)

mean elevation: 840 m

top ten highest mountains (measured from sea level): Mount Everest (China-Nepal) 8,849 m; K2 (Pakistan) 8,611 m; Kanchenjunga (India-Nepal) 8,598 m; Lhotse (Nepal) 8,516 m; Makalu (China-Nepal) 8,463 m; Cho Oyu (China-Nepal) 8,201 m; Dhaulagiri (Nepal) 8,167 m; Manaslu (Nepal) 8,163 m; Nanga Parbat (Pakistan) 8,125 m; Anapurna (Nepal) 8,091 m; note - Mauna Kea (United States) is the world's tallest mountain as measured from base to summit; the peak of this volcanic colossus lies on the island of Hawaii, but its base begins more than 70 km offshore and at a depth of about 6,000 m; total height estimates range from 9,966 m to 10,203 m

top ten highest island peaks: Puncak Jaya (New Guinea) 4,884 m (Indonesia)*; Mauna Kea (Hawaii) 4,207 m (United States); Gunung Kinabalu (Borneo) 4,095 m (Malaysia)*; Yu Shan (Taiwan) 3,952 (Taiwan)*; Mount Kerinci (Sumatra) 3,805 m (Indonesia); Mount Erebus (Ross Island) 3,794 (Antarctica); Mount Fuji (Honshu) 3,776 m (Japan)*; Mount Rinjani (Lombok) 3,726 m (Indonesia); Aoraki-Mount Cook (South Island) 3,724 m (New Zealand)*; Pico de Teide (Tenerife) 3,718 m (Spain)*; note - * indicates the highest peak for that Factbook entry

highest point on each continent: Asia - Mount Everest (China-Nepal) 8,849 m; South America - Cerro Aconcagua (Argentina) 6,960 m; North America - Denali (Mount McKinley) (United States) 6,190 m; Africa - Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) 5,895 m; Europe - El'brus (Russia) 5,633 m; Antarctica - Vinson Massif 4,897 m; Australia - Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m

highest capital on each continent: South America - La Paz (Bolivia) 3,640 m; Africa - Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) 2,355 m; Asia - Thimphu (Bhutan) 2,334 m; North America - Mexico City (Mexico) 2,240 m; Europe - Andorra la Vella (Andorra) 1,023 m; Australia - Canberra (Australia) 605 m

lowest point on each continent: Antarctica - Denman Glacier more than -3,500 m; Asia - Dead Sea (Israel-Jordan) -431 m; Africa - Lac Assal (Djibouti) -155 m; South America - Laguna del Carbon (Argentina) -105 m; North America - Death Valley (United States) -86 m; Europe - Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-Russia) -28 m; Australia - Lake Eyre -15

lowest capital on each continent: Asia - Baku (Azerbaijan) -28 m; Europe - Amsterdam (Netherlands) -2 m; Africa - Banjul (Gambia); Bissau (Guinea-Bissau), Conakry (Guinea), Djibouti (Djibouti), Libreville (Gabon), Male (Maldives), Monrovia (Liberia), Tunis (Tunisia), Victoria (Seychelles) 0 m; North America - Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Kingstown (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), Panama City (Panama), Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), Roseau (Dominica), Saint John's (Antigua and Barbuda), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) 0 m; South America - Georgetown (Guyana) 0 m; Australia - Canberra (Australia) 605 m

Topic: Yemenhighest point: Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb 3,666 m

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

mean elevation: 999 m

Topic: Zambiahighest point: Mafinga Central 2,330 m

lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m

mean elevation: 1,138 m

Topic: Zimbabwehighest point: Inyangani 2,592 m

lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save Rivers 162 m

mean elevation: 961 m


Topic: Photos of Kiribati

Topic: Introduction
Background: Kiribati is made up of three distinct island groups - the Gilbert Islands, the Line Islands, and the Phoenix Islands. The first Austronesian voyagers arrived in the Gilbert Islands as early as 3000 B.C., but these islands were not widely settled until about A.D. 200 by Micronesians. Around 1300, Samoans and Tongans invaded the southern Gilbert Islands, bringing Polynesian cultural elements with them. Later arrivals by Fijians brought Melanesian elements to the Gilbert Islands, and extensive intermarriage between the Micronesian, Polynesian, and Melanesian people led to the creation of what would become Gilbertese cultural traditions by the time Europeans spotted the islands in the 1600s. The Phoenix Islands and Line Islands were both visited by various Melanesian and Polynesian peoples, but their isolation and lack of natural resources meant that long-term settlements were not possible and both island groups were uninhabited by the time of European contact.

Kiribati experienced sustained European contact by the 1760s; all three island groups were named and charted by 1826. American whaling ships frequently passed through the islands, and the UK declared a protectorate over the Gilbert and nearby Ellice Islands in 1892 to block growing US influence. Phosphate-rich Banaba Island was annexed to the protectorate in 1900. In 1916, the protectorate became a colony, and some Line Islands were added in 1916 and 1919, with the final ones added in 1972. The Phoenix Islands were added to the colony in 1937, and the UK agreed to share jurisdiction of some of them with the US because of their strategic location for aviation. Japan occupied the northern Gilbert Islands in 1941; the islands of Makin and Tarawa were the sites of major US amphibious victories over entrenched Japanese garrisons in 1943. The UK continued to rule the colony after World War II. The Ellice Islands became its own colony in 1974. The Gilbert Islands became fully self-governing in 1977 and independent in 1979 as Kiribati, the Gilbertese spelling of Gilberts. The US relinquished all claims to the sparsely inhabited Phoenix and Line Islands in a 1979 treaty of friendship.

In 1994, Kiribati adjusted the international date line to the east of the Line Islands, bringing all islands in the country to the same day and giving Kiribati the earliest time zone in the world. Kiribati is a leading climate change and marine protection advocate. The Phoenix Islands Protected Area was established in 2008; in 2010, it became the world's largest (and deepest) UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2012, Kiribati purchased a 22 sq km (8.5 sq mi) plot of land in Fiji for potential eventual resettlement of its population because of climate change.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Oceania, group of 32 coral atolls and one raised coral island in the Pacific Ocean, straddling the Equator; the capital Tarawa is about halfway between Hawaii and Australia
Geographic coordinates: 1 25 N, 173 00 E
Map references: Oceania
Area: total: 811 sq km

land: 811 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, and Phoenix Islands - dispersed over about 3.5 million sq km (1.35 million sq mi)
Area - comparative: four times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 1,143 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds
Terrain: mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs
Elevation: highest point: unnamed elevation on Banaba 81 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

mean elevation: 2 m
Natural resources: phosphate (production discontinued in 1979), coconuts (copra), fish
Land use: agricultural land: 42% (2018 est.)

arable land: 2.5% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 39.5% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)

forest: 15% (2018 est.)

other: 43% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: consists of three achipelagos spread out over an area roughly the size of India; the eastern Line Islands and central Phoenix Islands are sparsely populated, but the western Gilbert Islands are some of the most densely settled places on earth, with the main island of South Tarawa boasting a population density similar to Tokyo or Hong Kong
Natural hazards: typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March; occasional tornadoes; low level of some of the islands make them sensitive to changes in sea level
Geography - note: 21 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia, and Nauru; Kiribati is the only country in the world to fall into all four hemispheres (northern, southern, eastern, and western)
Map description: Kiribati map showing the extent of the three island groups that comprise Kiribati and that straddle both sides of the Equator.Kiribati map showing the extent of the three island groups that comprise Kiribati and that straddle both sides of the Equator.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 114,189 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: I-Kiribati (singular and plural)

adjective: Kiribati
Ethnic groups: I-Kiribati 95.78%, I-Kiribati/mixed 3.8%, Tuvaluan 0.2%, other 1.7% (2020 est.)
Languages: Gilbertese, English (official)
Religions: Roman Catholic 58.9%, Kiribati Uniting Church 21.2%, Kiribati Protestant Church 8.4%, Church of Jesus Christ 5.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.1%, Baha'i 2.1%, other 1.7% (2020 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 28.47% (male 16,223/female 15,604)

15-24 years: 20.24% (male 11,171/female 11,459)

25-54 years: 40.05% (male 21,530/female 23,249)

55-64 years: 6.65% (male 3,350/female 4,084)

65 years and over: 4.59% (2020 est.) (male 2,004/female 3,122)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 67

youth dependency ratio: 60

elderly dependency ratio: 7

potential support ratio: 14.2 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 25.7 years

male: 24.8 years

female: 26.6 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.04% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 20.12 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 6.92 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -2.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: consists of three achipelagos spread out over an area roughly the size of India; the eastern Line Islands and central Phoenix Islands are sparsely populated, but the western Gilbert Islands are some of the most densely settled places on earth, with the main island of South Tarawa boasting a population density similar to Tokyo or Hong Kong
Urbanization: urban population: 57.1% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 2.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 64,000 TARAWA (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.82 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.46 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth: 23.1 years (2009 est.)

note: median age at first birth among women 25-29
Maternal mortality ratio: 92 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 32.93 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 34.88 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 30.87 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.9 years

male: 65.3 years

female: 70.64 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 33.5% (2018/19)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 97.2% of population

rural: 63.1% of population

total: 82% of population

unimproved: urban: 2.8% of population

rural: 36.9% of population

total: 18% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 10.3% (2019)
Physicians density: 0.2 physicians/1,000 population (2013)
Hospital bed density: 1.9 beds/1,000 population (2016)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 75.4% of population

rural: 45.4% of population

total: 62.1% of population

unimproved: urban: 24.6% of population

rural: 54.6% of population

total: 37.9% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 46% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 40.6% (2020 est.)

male: 53.9% (2020 est.)

female: 27.3% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 6.9% (2018/19)
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 2.4%

women married by age 18: 18.4%

men married by age 18: 8.6% (2019 est.)
Education expenditures: 12.4% of GDP (2019 est.)
Literacy: total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 22.5%

male: 21.2%

female: 24.6% (2019 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: heavy pollution in lagoon of south Tarawa atoll due to overcrowding mixed with traditional practices such as lagoon latrines and open-pit dumping; ground water at risk; potential for water shortages, disease; coastal erosion
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 10.45 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 0.07 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.02 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds
Land use: agricultural land: 42% (2018 est.)

arable land: 2.5% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 39.5% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)

forest: 15% (2018 est.)

other: 43% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 57.1% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 2.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.04% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 35,724 tons (2016 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Kiribati

conventional short form: Kiribati

local long form: Republic of Kiribati

local short form: Kiribati

former: Gilbert Islands

etymology: the name is the local pronunciation of "Gilberts," the former designation of the islands; originally named after explorer Thomas GILBERT, who mapped many of the islands in 1788

note: pronounced keer-ree-bahss
Government type: presidential republic
Capital: name: Tarawa

geographic coordinates: 1 21 N, 173 02 E

time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

time zone note: Kiribati has three time zones: the Gilbert Islands group at UTC+12, the Phoenix Islands at UTC+13, and the Line Islands at UTC+14

etymology: in Kiribati creation mythology, "tarawa" was what the spider Nareau named the land to distinguish it from "karawa" (the sky) and "marawa" (the ocean)
Administrative divisions: 3 geographical units: Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions, but there are 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts, Line Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) and 21 island councils - one for each of the inhabited islands (Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru, Butaritari, Kanton, Kiritimati, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa, Tabiteuea, Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa, Teraina)
Independence: 12 July 1979 (from the UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 12 July (1979)
Constitution: history: The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Order in Council 1915, The Gilbert Islands Order in Council 1975 (preindependence); latest promulgated 12 July 1979 (at independence)

amendments: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership; passage of amendments affecting the constitutional section on amendment procedures and parts of the constitutional chapter on citizenship requires deferral of the proposal to the next Assembly meeting where approval is required by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and support of the nominated or elected Banaban member of the Assembly; amendments affecting the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms also requires approval by at least two-thirds majority in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2018
Legal system: English common law supplemented by customary law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a native-born citizen of Kiribati

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Taneti MAAMAU (since 11 March 2016); Vice President Teuea TOATU (since 19 June 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Taneti MAAMAU (since 11 March 2016); Vice President Teuea TOATU (since 19 June 2019)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among House of Assembly members

elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote following nomination of candidates from among House of Assembly members; term is 4 years (eligible for 2 additional terms); election last held on 22 June 2020 (next to be held in 2024); vice president appointed by the president

election results: Taneti MAAMAU reelected president; percent of vote - Taneti MAAMAU (TKB) 59.3%, Banuera BERINA (BKM) 40.7%.
Legislative branch: description: unicameral House of Assembly or Maneaba Ni Maungatabu (46 seats; 44 members directly elected in single- and multi-seat constituencies by absolute majority vote in two-rounds if needed; 1 member appointed by the Rabi Council of Leaders - representing Banaba Island, and 1 ex officio member - the attorney general; members serve 4-year terms)

elections: legislative elections originally scheduled to be held in two rounds on 7 and 15 April 2020 but rescheduled for 14 and 21 April (next to be held in 2024)

election results: percent of vote by party (second round) - NA; seats by party (second round) - TKB 22, BKM 22, 1 independent
Judicial branch: highest courts: High Court (consists of a chief justice and other judges as prescribed by the president); note - the High Court has jurisdiction on constitutional issues

judge selection and term of office: chief justice appointed by the president on the advice of the cabinet in consultation with the Public Service Commission (PSC); other judges appointed by the president on the advice of the chief justice along with the PSC

subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; magistrates' courts
Political parties and leaders: Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party (BKM) [Tessie LAMBOURNE]
Tobwaan Kiribati Party or TKP [Taneti MAAMAU]
International organization participation: ABEDA, ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Teburoro TITO (since 24 January 2018)

chancery: 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1109, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 867-3310

FAX: [1] (212) 867-3320

email address and website:
Kimission.newyork@mfa.gov.ki

note - the Kiribati Permanent Mission to the UN serves as the embassy
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Kiribati; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Kiribati
Flag description: the upper half is red with a yellow frigatebird flying over a yellow rising sun, and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the Pacific ocean; the white stripes represent the three island groups - the Gilbert, Line, and Phoenix Islands; the 17 rays of the sun represent the 16 Gilbert Islands and Banaba (formerly Ocean Island); the frigatebird symbolizes authority and freedom
National symbol(s): frigatebird; national colors: red, white, blue, yellow
National anthem: name: "Teirake kaini Kiribati" (Stand Up, Kiribati)

lyrics/music: Urium Tamuera IOTEBA

note: adopted 1979
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Phoenix Islands Protected Area

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has few natural resources and is one of the least developed Pacific Island countries. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted by the time of independence from the United Kingdom in 1979. Earnings from fishing licenses and seafarer remittances are important sources of income. Although the number of seafarers employed declined due to changes in global shipping demands, remittances are expected to improve with more overseas temporary and seasonal work opportunities for Kiribati nationals.   Economic development is constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak infrastructure, and remoteness from international markets. The public sector dominates economic activity, with ongoing capital projects in infrastructure including road rehabilitation, water and sanitation projects, and renovations to the international airport, spurring some growth. Public debt increased from 23% of GDP at the end of 2015 to 25.8% in 2016.   Kiribati is dependent on foreign aid, which was estimated to have contributed over 32.7% in 2016 to the government’s finances. The country’s sovereign fund, the Revenue Equalization Reserve Fund (RERF), which is held offshore, had an estimated balance of $855.5 million in late July 2016. The RERF seeks to avoid exchange rate risk by holding investments in more than 20 currencies, including the Australian dollar, US dollar, the Japanese yen, and the Euro. Drawdowns from the RERF helped finance the government’s annual budget.A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has few natural resources and is one of the least developed Pacific Island countries. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted by the time of independence from the United Kingdom in 1979. Earnings from fishing licenses and seafarer remittances are important sources of income. Although the number of seafarers employed declined due to changes in global shipping demands, remittances are expected to improve with more overseas temporary and seasonal work opportunities for Kiribati nationals. Economic development is constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, weak infrastructure, and remoteness from international markets. The public sector dominates economic activity, with ongoing capital projects in infrastructure including road rehabilitation, water and sanitation projects, and renovations to the international airport, spurring some growth. Public debt increased from 23% of GDP at the end of 2015 to 25.8% in 2016. Kiribati is dependent on foreign aid, which was estimated to have contributed over 32.7% in 2016 to the government’s finances. The country’s sovereign fund, the Revenue Equalization Reserve Fund (RERF), which is held offshore, had an estimated balance of $855.5 million in late July 2016. The RERF seeks to avoid exchange rate risk by holding investments in more than 20 currencies, including the Australian dollar, US dollar, the Japanese yen, and the Euro. Drawdowns from the RERF helped finance the government’s annual budget.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $270 million (2020 est.)

$270 million (2019 est.)

$260 million (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 3.1% (2017 est.)

1.1% (2016 est.)

10.3% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $2,300 (2020 est.)

$2,300 (2019 est.)

$2,300 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $197 million (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.4% (2017 est.)

1.9% (2016 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 23% (2016 est.)

industry: 7% (2016 est.)

services: 70% (2016 est.)
Agricultural products: coconuts, roots/tubers nes, bananas, vegetables, taro, tropical fruit, poultry, pork, nuts, eggs
Industries: fishing, handicrafts
Industrial production growth rate: 1.1% (2012 est.)
Labor force: 39,000 (2010 est.)

note: economically active, not including subsistence farmers
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 15%

industry: 10%

services: 75% (2010)
Unemployment rate: 30.6% (2010 est.)

6.1% (2005)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 22.5%

male: 21.2%

female: 24.6% (2019 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 151.2 million (2017 est.)

expenditures: 277.5 million (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -64.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 26.3% of GDP (2017 est.)

22.9% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 76.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: NA
Current account balance: $18 million (2017 est.)

$35 million (2016 est.)
Exports: $30 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$20 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: Thailand 53%, Philippines 17%, South Korea 10%, Japan 9% (2019)
Exports - commodities: fish and fish produces, ships, coconut oil, copra (2019)
Imports: $180 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$170 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: China 20%, Fiji 19%, Australia 12%, Taiwan 11%, South Korea 11%, New Zealand 7%, Japan 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, netting, raw sugar, rice, poultry meats (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $0 (31 December 2017 est.)

$8.37 million (31 December 2010 est.)
Debt - external: $40.9 million (2016 est.)

$32.3 million (2015 est.)
Exchange rates: Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -

1.31 (2017 est.)

1.34 (2016 est.)

1.34 (2015 est.)

1.33 (2014 est.)

1.11 (2013 est.)

note: the Australian dollar circulates as legal tender

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020)
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 11,000 kW (2020 est.)

consumption: 25.137 million kWh (2019 est.)

exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.)

imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 4.7 million kWh (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 84.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

solar: 15.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 500 bbl/day (2019 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 420 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 76,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 76,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 9.335 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 33 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 54,661 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 46 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: generally good national and international service; wireline service available on Tarawa and Kiritimati (Christmas Island); connections to outer islands by HF/VHF radiotelephone; recently formed (mobile network operator) MNO is implementing the first phase of improvements with 3G and 4G upgrades on some islands; islands are connected to each other and the rest of the world via satellite; launch of Kacific-1 in December 2019 will improve telecommunication for Kiribati (2020)

domestic: fixed-line less than 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular approximately 46 per 100 subscriptions (2020)

international: country code - 686; landing point for the Southern Cross NEXT submarine cable system from Australia, 7 Pacific Ocean island countries to the US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
Broadcast media: multi-channel TV packages provide access to Australian and US stations; 1 government-operated radio station broadcasts on AM, FM, and shortwave (2017)
Internet country code: .ki
Internet users: total: 45,390 (2020 est.)

percent of population: 38% (2020 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 185 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.2 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 8

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 66,567 (2018)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: T3
Airports: total: 19 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 10

under 914 m: 5 (2021)
Roadways: total: 670 km (2017)
Waterways: 5 km (2012) (small network of canals in Line Islands)
Merchant marine: total: 88

by type: bulk carrier 3, general cargo 35, oil tanker 12, other 38 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Betio (Tarawa Atoll), Canton Island, English Harbor

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Kiribati Police and Prison Service (Ministry of Justice)
Military - note: defense assistance is provided by Australia and NZ

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified


US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate: [60] (3) 2168-5000; US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; KLACS@state.gov;

https://my.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code: 60
Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 999; Fire: 994; Police: 999
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons
Currency (Code): Ringgits (MYR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages: Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai; note: Malaysia has 134 living languages
Major Religions: Muslim 61.3%, Buddhist 19.8%, Christian 9.2%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 1.3%
Time Difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested
Road Driving Side: Left
Tourist Destinations: Kuala Lumpur (includes Petronas Towers, Bukit Bintang, National Museum); North Borneo Railway; Semenggoh Nature Reserve; Batu Caves; Kek Lok Si Temple; Malacca City; Manukan Island; Lenggong Valley; Sarawak Cultural Village
Major Sports: Soccer, badminton, tenpin bowling, field hockey, tennis
Cultural Practices: Nod or give a slight bow when greeting a women or an older person. Introduce high-ranking people and older people first.
Tipping Guidelines: Malaysia has a non-tipping culture. You are welcome to leave change in a tip jar, but you are not expected to tip.
Souvenirs: Hand-woven embroidered silk/cotton cloth, batik sarongs, pewter items; precious silver bowls, jewelry boxes, and betel nut sets; woven-bamboo and various fiber-woven baskets, bowls, and mats
Traditional Cuisine: Nasi Lemak — rice soaked in coconut cream overnight and cooked with pandan leaves, lemon grass, ginger, and other spices; usually served with a hard-boiled egg, fried anchovies, sambal paste, and roasted peanutsPlease visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022