World Happiness Report for Kiribati 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Kiribati: na
- Happiness Score Kiribati:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Kiribati. KI.
Kiribati is a sovereign state in Micronesia in the central Pacific Ocean.
– It is a unitary republic with a parliamentary system.
– Kiribati is known for its rich traditional culture, including music, dance, and art.
– The economy is heavily dependent on fishing and copra production.
Kiribati – A Comprehensive Overview
History
Early History: The earliest inhabitants of the islands that make up Kiribati were Micronesian and Polynesian settlers who arrived between 3000 BC and 1300 AD. These settlers developed a unique maritime culture based on fishing, navigation, and voyaging.
Kingdoms and Empires: The islands were not unified under a single kingdom or empire historically. Each island or group of islands had its own traditional leadership structures and systems of governance.
Colonial Period: Kiribati was first encountered by European explorers in the 16th century. In the late 19th century, the islands became protectorates of the British Empire, known as the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. They remained British colonies until gaining independence in 1979.
Independence and Modern Era: Kiribati gained independence from the United Kingdom on July 12, 1979, becoming a sovereign republic. Since then, the country has faced challenges such as climate change, overpopulation, and economic development.
Current Political Situation: Kiribati is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The President is the head of state and the head of government is the Beretitenti (equivalent to a prime minister). The most recent elections were held in 2020, with Taneti Maamau becoming the President.
International Relations: Kiribati maintains close ties with other Pacific Island nations, as well as with major powers like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. It has been vocal in raising awareness about the threats posed by climate change and sea-level rise to its low-lying islands.
Human Development and Economy: Kiribati has a developing economy heavily reliant on foreign aid, fishing, and remittances from overseas workers. The country faces challenges with poverty, unemployment, and lack of resources. Tourism and the export of copra (dried coconut kernels) are also important economic activities.
Cultural Highlights: Kiribati has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its Micronesian and Polynesian roots. The traditional Kiribati language, dance, music, and crafts are integral parts of the culture. The majority of the population follows Christianity, primarily Catholicism.
Kiribati faces significant challenges related to climate change, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation, which threaten the very existence of its low-lying islands. The country is also grappling with issues of overpopulation, limited resources, and economic development.
Travel Tips for Kiribati
– Best time to visit: The dry season from May to October offers the most pleasant weather for travel.
– Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting villages or churches. Remove shoes before entering homes.
– Safety precautions: Kiribati is generally safe, but take precautions against petty crime. Avoid swimming at unpatrolled beaches due to strong currents.
– Must-see landmarks: Visit the Kiribati Cultural Centre in Tarawa to learn about the country’s history and traditions. Explore the World War II relics on Betio Island.
– Culinary experiences: Try local dishes like pandanus, coconut, and fish-based dishes. Attend a traditional dance performance and feast.Living in Kiribati
– Cost of living: The cost of living in Kiribati is relatively low compared to many other countries, but the availability of goods and services can be limited.
– Housing: Housing options range from traditional thatched huts to modern concrete houses. Rental properties may be scarce in urban areas.
– Healthcare: Healthcare facilities are limited, and many medical treatments require traveling abroad. Ensure you have adequate health insurance.
– Education: Education is compulsory and free for primary and secondary levels. There are a few tertiary institutions, but many students study abroad.
– Lifestyle: Life in Kiribati revolves around village communities and subsistence activities like fishing and agriculture. Adapt to a slower pace of life and a more traditional way of living.
Main facts
Location
Kiribati is a sovereign island nation in the central Pacific Ocean. It consists of 33 atolls and one raised coral island, dispersed over an area of 3.5 million square kilometers, straddling the equator and the International Date Line. The islands are situated approximately halfway between Hawaii and Australia.
Map References
Kiribati is a part of the Micronesian region within Oceania.
Area – Comparative
With a total land area of 811 square kilometers, Kiribati is slightly larger than the area of New York City.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Being an island nation, Kiribati has no land boundaries.
Coastline
Kiribati has a coastline of 1,143 kilometers, consisting primarily of sandy beaches and coral reefs surrounding its atolls and islands.
Maritime Claims
Kiribati claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
Climate
Kiribati has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The country is impacted by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, which can bring droughts or excessive rainfall.
Terrain
The terrain of Kiribati is predominantly low-lying atolls and coral islands, with none rising more than a few meters above sea level.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Kiribati is an unnamed location on Banaba Island at 81 meters, while the lowest point is the Pacific Ocean at sea level.
Natural Resources
Kiribati has limited natural resources, primarily consisting of fish and coconut products.
Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water surrounding Kiribati are the Pacific Ocean and its various sub-regions, including the Line Islands and Gilberts.
Natural Hazards
Kiribati is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, including:
- Typhoons
- Storm surges
- Coastal erosion
- Sea level rise
Geography – Notes
Kiribati is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change and rising sea levels, with some islands already experiencing significant coastal erosion and inundation. The country’s low-lying atolls and islands are under threat from rising seas, making relocation a potential long-term necessity for its population.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 15.00%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 66. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 42.00%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 1.8368976-157.3768317.
- Capital: The capital of Kiribati is South Tarawa
- Major Cities:
- Tarawa – Population: 50,182
- Bairiki – Population: 9,091
- Betio – Population: 14,816
- Bikenibeu – Population: 5,378
- Population: 117,606
- Area(Km2): 811
- Population Density( P/Km²):147. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:686
- Official Language(s):Kiribati is the primary language spoken is English (official), Gilbertese (te taetae ni Kiribati). English is spoken by 10%, Gilbertese is spoken by 90%.
- Currency: AUD
Main Economic Indicators
Kiribati has a small open economy driven primarily by subsistence agriculture, fishing, and a large services sector catering to foreign workers and tourists. The country faces economic challenges due to its remote location and lack of natural resources, leading to significant reliance on foreign aid and remittances from overseas workers. Notable economic policies focus on developing private sector activities and improving public sector efficiency.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
3% (2021 est.)
-0.4% (2020 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook
Credit Ratings
N/A
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 24.3%
Industry: 8.1%
Services: 67.6%
Source: CIA World Factbook (2017 est.)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural products: Copra, breadfruit, fish
Industrial products: Handicrafts, fishing
Labor Force
Total labor force: 12,590 (2010 est.)
Comparative ranking not available
Current Account Balance
$14 million (2017 est.)
Comparative ranking not available
Exports and Imports
Exports: $8.3 million (2017 est.)
Key partners: US, Australia, Japan
Main commodities: Fish, coconut products
Imports: $139.8 million (2017 est.)
Key partners: Australia, Singapore, Fiji, Japan
Main commodities: Food, machinery and equipment, miscellaneous manufactured goods
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign exchange reserves: $239.9 million (2017 est.)
Gold reserves: N/A
- GDP (Current US$):$194,647,202. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 22.00%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 32.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. . It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): . It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: I-Kiribati (singular), I-Kiribati (plural)
Adjective: I-Kiribati
2. Ethnic Groups
Major ethnic groups:
- I-Kiribati 96.2%
- I-Kiribati/Mixed 1.8%
- Others 2%
3. Religions
Religious affiliations:
- Protestant 57.3%
- Roman Catholic 20%
- Latter-day Saints 3.4%
- Baha’i 2.2%
- Other/None 17.1%
4. Age Structure
Population distribution by age group:
- 0-14 years: 31.5%
- 15-64 years: 63.9%
- 65 years and over: 4.6%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 55.2
Youth dependency ratio: 49.2
Elderly dependency ratio: 6
6. Median Age
Median age: 24.8 years
Median age for males: 24.5 years
Median age for females: 25.2 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 46% of the adult population (2016)
Alcohol consumption: 2.7 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2016)
Tobacco use: 36.2% of adults (2015)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 68.1. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 98.5%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:27.89. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:6. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 3.57. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 13.2%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 64,489. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):0.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Kiribati does not have a formal military force. The principal security force is the Kiribati Police Service, responsible for maintaining law and order within the country’s islands and atolls. It consists of a national police force and local police units on each inhabited island.
Military Expenditures
As Kiribati does not maintain an active military, its military expenditure is negligible, accounting for less than 1% of GDP over the past five years.
Personnel Strengths
The Kiribati Police Service has an estimated strength of around 350 personnel, including officers and support staff.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Given the absence of a military force, Kiribati does not possess any significant military hardware or equipment. The police are equipped with small arms and light vehicles for patrol and transport purposes.
Military Service Age and Obligation
There is no compulsory military service in Kiribati.
Military Deployments
Kiribati does not have any overseas military deployments.
Strategic Military Notes
As a small island nation with limited resources, Kiribati’s security strategy focuses on maintaining internal law and order through its police force. The country relies primarily on diplomatic means and regional partnerships for external security cooperation and maritime surveillance activities.
Kiribati is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum and has cooperative security arrangements with neighboring countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, for assistance in maintaining regional stability and addressing transnational threats like illegal fishing and climate change-related issues.
- Armed Forces Size: . Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.2
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): . This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.