Abaiang, Coral atoll in Gilbert Islands, Kiribati.
Abaiang is a coral atoll in the Gilbert Islands featuring six islands surrounding a central lagoon with shallow waters. The islands form an irregular ring, with mangroves and sandy shores fringing the settlement areas.
European sailors in the late 1700s first mapped the atoll and gave it a Western name. Christian missionaries arrived later and transformed the religious and social fabric of the island communities.
Residents speak Gilbertese and maintain traditional fishing methods that shape daily life and food sources. These practices connect people to the ocean and remain central to their way of living.
The atoll is best reached by air, as ferry connections are limited and irregular. Weather conditions can change quickly in the tropics, so planning around the dry season is advisable.
One settlement here was entirely relocated because rising seas eroded the coast away. This move reflects the real pressure that ocean changes place on island residents today.
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