Tarawa is an atoll in the central Pacific Ocean, previously the capital of the former British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. Tarawa is now the capital island of the Republic of Kiribati.

Geography

Tarawa consists of a minimum of 24 islands, of which a minimum of 8 are inhabited. The largest island is Bonriki . The largest city, (Bikenibeu ) and the only international airport of Tarawa, Bonriki Airport, are on Bonriki .

Islands

• Bairiki (island)
• Betio
• Bonriki
• ...

Towns and villages

Abatao - Bairiki (village) - Bikenibeu - Buariki - Buota - Eita - Marenanuka - Taborio - Teaoraereke

Administration

This atoll has three main subdivisions: Teinainano Urban Council (or TUC), from Bairiki to Bonriki, known in English as South Tarawa, the capital of the republic; Betio Town Council (or BTC), on Betio Islet; North Tarawa or Tarawa Ieta (all the islets of the North Branch). The main administrative centre for the Republic of Kiribati is located on Bairiki, one of the southernmost islets on Tarawa. But the Parliament is on Ambo islet and some administrations are on Betio or Bikenibeu.

History

During World War II, Tarawa was occupied by the Japanese, and starting on November 20, 1943 it was the scene of the bloody Battle of Tarawa. On that day United States Marines landed on Tarawa and Makin atolls and took heavy fire from Japanese shore guns.

Economy

Betio Islet includes the main port through which copra and pearl shell are exported.

Demographics

Population (as of 1990) is 28,802. The population is mostly Micronesian.

Miscellaneous

Tarawa is the site of a teacher's training college and a marine training school, as well as an international airport.

The book Sex Lives of Cannibals By J. Maarten Troost is a humorous account of his two years spent on Tarawa.