Kiribati · Atoll Capital of the Pacific
타라와
키리바시 (Kiribati)
71,372
Capital (South Tarawa)
GILT (UTC+12)
South Tarawa is the capital of Kiribati, an atoll nation consisting of 32 atolls spread across the central Pacific Ocean. With a population of 71,372, South Tarawa is home to over half of Kiribati's total population of 136,500. The capital comprises a series of islets connected by causeways, with the most populated areas located on Betio, Bairiki, and other narrow strips of land barely rising above sea level.
Tarawa is one of the world's most densely populated areas relative to its tiny land mass. The atoll stretches in a triangular shape enclosing a large lagoon, with most islets measuring less than 800 meters wide. Despite limited natural resources and geographic isolation, South Tarawa serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Kiribati. The government, businesses, educational institutions, and port facilities are concentrated here, creating a unique urban environment in one of the world's most remote locations.
The atoll is historically significant as the site of the Battle of Tarawa (November 20-23, 1943), one of World War II's bloodiest Pacific battles. The fierce fighting between U.S. Marines and Japanese forces resulted in approximately 6,400 deaths and marked the first major amphibious assault against a heavily fortified Japanese position. Today, remnants of the battle—bunkers, coastal guns, and wreckage—remain scattered across Betio islet, serving as poignant reminders of this pivotal moment in Pacific War history.
Historic WWII battle sites from November 20-23, 1943, when 6,400 Japanese, Korean, and American soldiers died in one of the Pacific's bloodiest battles. This was the first amphibious landing against a heavily fortified Japanese position on Betio islet, marking a turning point in the Pacific War and providing crucial lessons for future amphibious operations.
The primary WWII landing zone where U.S. Marines faced intense fire while wading through shallow water. Today, wartime debris including rusted tanks, amtracs, shipwrecks, and plane wrecks are visible at low tide in the shallow waters. These haunting remnants provide a visceral connection to the battle's intensity and sacrifice.
Remarkably intact coastal defense structures built by Japanese forces before the battle. Many bunkers remain accessible, with bullet holes from intense fighting still visible. These fortifications demonstrate the sophisticated defensive strategies employed and explain why the Battle of Tarawa proved so costly for attacking forces.
Massive coastal artillery pieces originally brought to the Pacific during the Russo-Japanese War of 1905, later incorporated into Japanese fortifications in 1942. These impressive guns represent multiple layers of Pacific military history and remain as silent sentinels overlooking the beaches where they once defended against the American assault.
A memorial honoring the November 1943 U.S. Marine invasion and the thousands who died during the Battle of Tarawa. The memorial offers free admission and provides a place for reflection on the battle's human cost. Annual commemorations bring together veterans, descendants, and visitors to honor those who fought and died.
A scenic walkway connecting different islets of the atoll, offering stunning views with the lagoon on one side and the open ocean on the other. This infrastructure project symbolizes the connectivity of South Tarawa's scattered communities while providing residents and visitors with spectacular vistas of the Pacific's beauty.
Kiribati is classified as one of the world's least developed countries, with an economy heavily dependent on fisheries and copra exports. The nation's primary revenue sources include fishing licenses granted to foreign vessels and international aid from development partners. The Australian dollar serves as the official currency, reflecting close economic ties with Australia and New Zealand. South Tarawa hosts most economic activity, including government services, the main port, and commercial establishments.
Subsistence agriculture and fishing remain vital on outer islands, where communities maintain traditional lifestyles largely disconnected from the cash economy. Climate change and sea-level rise pose existential threats to Kiribati, as most land areas rise less than 3 meters above sea level. The nation is extremely vulnerable to storm surges, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies. International organizations provide support for climate adaptation and potential migration planning.
Culturally, Kiribati maintains strong traditions despite modernization pressures in South Tarawa. The I-Kiribati people preserve traditional dancing, singing, and navigation techniques passed down through generations. The maneaba (traditional meeting house) remains central to community governance and social life. Skilled crafts include canoe building, mat weaving, and shell jewelry making. Traditional knowledge of the ocean, stars, and weather patterns reflects centuries of Pacific seafaring heritage. In South Tarawa, this traditional culture blends with contemporary Pacific Island urban life, creating a unique cultural landscape.
Tarawa Atoll was settled by Austronesian-speaking peoples over 2,000 years ago, with the I-Kiribati developing sophisticated navigation and sailing skills to thrive in this remote Pacific environment. European contact began in 1788 when British Captain Thomas Gilbert sighted the Gilbert Islands (named after him). The islands became a British protectorate in 1892 and part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony in 1916. During this colonial period, copra production and Christian missionaries transformed local society.
The Battle of Tarawa (November 20-23, 1943) represents a watershed moment in the atoll's history. Japanese forces fortified Betio with extensive bunkers, coastal guns, and defensive positions. When U.S. Marines launched their amphibious assault, they encountered fierce resistance and suffered heavy casualties while wading through shallow water under intense fire. The 76-hour battle resulted in over 6,400 deaths (approximately 4,500 Japanese/Korean and 1,900 American). The American victory, though costly, provided crucial experience for subsequent Pacific campaigns and demonstrated the effectiveness of improved amphibious warfare tactics.
Kiribati gained independence on July 12, 1979, with South Tarawa as the capital. The new nation faced immediate challenges of geographic dispersion, limited resources, and economic development. Today, Tarawa preserves its WWII heritage through memorials and preserved battle sites while confronting 21st-century challenges, particularly climate change threatening the atoll's very existence. The Ambo Causeway and other infrastructure projects have improved connectivity between islets, though overcrowding and limited freshwater remain ongoing concerns for this densely populated atoll capital.
Bureau Chief 지원자는 물론, Tarawa를 방문하시는 모든 분들을 위해
편리한 여행 서비스를 안내해드립니다
⭐ 최저가 보장 • 24시간 전 무료 취소 • 안전한 예약