Living in Kiribati guide for expats

Kiribati is not a typical holiday destination ' quite the opposite ' the region has few tourist facilities and thus presents the perfect opportunity to step off the beaten path and explore in an old-fashioned way.

Kiribati islands are strewn across 3.5 million square kilometres and cover a total land area of 800 square kilometres. The region consists of three island groups: the Line Islands, Phoenix Islands, and the Gilbert Islands.

Kiribati is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, the IMF, and the World Bank. The country's population is 116,405 million people with the overwhelming majority being of Micronesian origin. Kiribati's official languages are English and Gilbertese.

The country has few natural resources and is one of the poorest in the world. Kiribati used to be an exporter of phosphates, but since the deposits have run out, its economy has been mostly based on fishing.

Depending on your country of origin you may or may not require a visa to travel to Kiribati with the period of allowed visa-free stay varying from 30 to 90 days. Those who do need to apply for a visa before arrival should note that they can do so at the Consulate of Kiribati in their home country.

Kiribati is a nature lover's paradise. Due to the lack of infrastructure, the beaches in the region could not be less crowded, and if you are prepared to rough it out for a while, your reward will be breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear water, and incredible diving and snorkelling spots. You will probably not find many (if any) long-term expats in the region ' but a short-term stay could be more than beneficial for resetting your mind away from the touristic buzz.