Kiribati
Independent and Sovereign Republic of Kiribati
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Situated in Micronesia, Kiribati has a population of approximately 120.7k—one of the less populous countries in the world. Despite covering only 811 km², the territory records a density of 149 people per km². Its capital is South Tarawa, and official languages include English and Gilbertese, while the Australian dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
120,740
Area
811 km²
Density
149/km²
World Rank
#194
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 25.8 per thousand against deaths at 7 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 34.7% of residents under 15 and 4.2% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- South Tarawa
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Micronesia
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- English, Gilbertese
- Currencies
- Australian dollar ($), Kiribati dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +686
- Top-Level Domain
- .ki
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+12:00, UTC+13:00, UTC+14:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 120,740
- Land Area
- 811 km²
- Population Density
- 149 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +1,063 people
- Daily Growth
- +3 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- 1.42°, 173.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $2.3k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 27.8.
Life Expectancy
66.5 years
GDP per Capita
$2,289
Birth Rate
25.8 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
62.5%
Fertility Rate
3.15 births/woman
Infant Mortality
39.7 per 1,000
Literacy Rate
98.6%
Internet Users
88.0%
Under 15
34.7%
Over 65
4.2%
Health Spending
10.9% GDP
Gini Index
27.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
42K
15-64 years
74K
65+ years
5K
Urbanization
About 62.5% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. South Tarawa serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 462.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
75,414
62.5%
45,326
37.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 66.5 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 39.7 per thousand live births, somewhat lower than the global average. The literacy rate of 98.6% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Kiribati is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Kiribati participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 120,740 |
| 2030 | 125,018 |
| 2035 | 130,517 |
| 2040 | 136,197 |
| 2045 | 142,068 |
| 2050 | 148,143 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Kiribati?
The population of Kiribati is approximately 120,740 as of 2026, making it #194 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Kiribati?
The capital of Kiribati is South Tarawa.
What languages are spoken in Kiribati?
The main languages spoken in Kiribati are English, Gilbertese.
How big is Kiribati?
Kiribati covers an area of 811 km² with a population density of 149 people per km².
Is Kiribati growing or shrinking?
Kiribati is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 1,063 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Kiribati?
The average life expectancy in Kiribati is 66.5 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Kiribati?
The GDP per capita of Kiribati is $2,289.