How Do You Spell KIRIBATI?

Pronunciation: [kˌɪɹɪbˈɑːti] (IPA)

The small island nation in the Pacific Ocean is spelled "Kiribati". The phonetic transcription for this word is /ˌkɪrɪˈbæs/. The spelling of Kiribati may appear confusing at first, but it is important to note that the name originates from the Gilbert Islands. The indigenous language spoken in the Gilbert Islands does not have the letter S, leading to the use of the letter T in place of S. Therefore, the name Kiribati is pronounced with a T instead of an S.

KIRIBATI Meaning and Definition

1. Kiribati is a noun referring to a small island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is also the official name of this country. The country consists of a chain of 33 coral atolls and reef islands scattered over an expansive area of approximately 1.3 million square miles (3.4 million square kilometers). Kiribati is situated on the equator and is spread over both the eastern and western hemispheres, making it one of the only nations in the world to span all four hemispheres.

   The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979 and its capital city is Tarawa. Kiribati's population is estimated to be around 120,000 people, and its official languages are English and Gilbertese. The economy of Kiribati primarily relies on subsistence farming, fishing, and the export of coconut products. The nation faces various challenges due to its remote location, vulnerability to rising sea levels, and limited natural resources.

   Kiribati is known for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque beaches, and diverse marine life. Its unique cultural heritage is characterized by traditional music, dancing, and crafts. The people of Kiribati have a rich oral tradition, sharing stories and legends that reflect their Polynesian roots and history. The nation's indigenous population has faced significant cultural, social, and economic changes over the years, adapting to the modern world while preserving their unique identity.

Common Misspellings for KIRIBATI

• jiribati
• miribati
• liribati
• oiribati
• iiribati
• kuribati
• kjribati
• kkribati
• koribati
• k9ribati
• k8ribati
• kieibati
• kidibati
• kifibati
• kitibati
• ki5ibati
• kiribatu
• Kirbatu
• Kibati
• Kiribit
• Bibicati

Etymology of KIRIBATI

The word "Kiribati" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the Gilbertese language, which is one of the official languages of the country. In Gilbertese, "Kiribati" is pronounced as "Kiribas".

The name "Kiribati" translates to "Line Island" in Gilbertese. It originated from the phrase "Kiribatese Iesu", meaning "Christ's Church" or "Hallowed Church". This term was introduced by British Captain Thomas Gilbert when he arrived in the region in the late 18th century and named the Gilbert Islands after himself.

Over time, the pronunciation of "Kiribati" as "Kiribas" became more commonly used by the local people. In 1979, when the islands gained independence from the United Kingdom, the name was officially changed to Kiribati to reflect the local pronunciation.

Similar spelling word for KIRIBATI

• kiribati.