South Tarawa, Capital city in Gilbert Islands, Kiribati
South Tarawa is an island city made up of several coral islets linked by causeways, spreading from one end to the other across the central Pacific. The settlements sit closely together with low-rise buildings, surrounded by shallow lagoon waters.
The British chose South Tarawa as the administration center for the Gilbert Islands in the late 1800s. This decision made it the primary hub for the entire island group and shaped its development as a capital for generations.
People here speak Gilbertese and English, and you will notice how the ocean is woven into daily life through fishing and maritime work. Traditional boats and fishing methods shape the rhythm of communities across all the connected islets.
Bonriki International Airport is the main air gateway, and government services are spread across the connected islets. Visitors should prepare for tropical humidity and wear sturdy footwear, as many pathways are unpaved or uneven.
This is one of the most densely populated areas in the Pacific, where space is extremely tight and families live very close together. This intense settlement is immediately visible in the narrow streets, tightly packed houses, and constant movement everywhere.
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