TATAKalikasan Ateneo de Manila University
Kiribati (pronounced /ˈkɪrɨbæs or KIRR-i-bas; Gilbertese: [ˈkiɾibas]), is composed of 32 atolls and one raised coral island, dispersed over 3.5 million square kilometres, (1,351,000 square miles) straddling the equator, and bordering the International Date Line at its easternmost point. Kiribati is the only country in the world located on both hemispheres and lying on both sides of the 180th meridian.
The groups of islands are:
* Banaba: an isolated island between Nauru and the Gilbert Islands
* Gilbert Islands: 16 atolls located some 930 miles (1,500 km) north of Fiji
* Phoenix Islands: 8 atolls and coral islands located some 1,100 miles (1,800 km) southeast of the Gilberts
* Line Islands: 8 atolls and one reef, located about 2,050 miles (3,300 km) east of the Gilberts.
Caroline Atoll channel between west side of Long Island and Nake Island.
Used for nuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960s, the island is now valued for its marine and wildlife resources. It is particularly important as a seabird nesting site—with an estimated 6 million birds using or breeding on the island, including several million Sooty Terns.
According to the South Pacific Regional Environment Program, two small uninhabited Kiribati islets, Tebua Tarawa and Abanuea, disappeared underwater in 1999. The islet of Tepuka Savilivili no longer has any coconut trees due to salination. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that sea levels will rise by about half a metre (20 in) by 2100 due to global warming and a further rise would be inevitable. It is thus likely that within a century the nation's arable land will become subject to increased soil salination and will be largely submerged.
Rising level level is also being felt in many countries, particularly island-countries like the Philippines. ~
Official name: Republic of Kiribati.Capital city: Tarawa.Population: 135,389.Area: 811 sq km.Major languages: I-Kiribati, English.Time zone: UTC+12/+13/+14 (Gilbert Island Time/Phoenix Island
Time/Line Islands Time)
- Economy- Until 1979, when Banaba’s deposit of phosphate rock was exhausted, Kiribati’s economy depended heavily on the export of phosphate mineral. Before the cessation of mining, a large reserve fund was accumulated; the interest now contributes to government revenue. Other revenue earners are copra, mostly produced in the village economy, and license fees from foreign fishing fleets, including a special tuna-fishing agreement with the European Union. Commercial seaweed farming has become an important economic activity. Internet
Part 2 - Fiji
What are the main issues faced by Fiji?
By Elena Clifford / Last Updated on: June 22, 2024
1. Poor access to clean water and sanitation
Poor access to clean water and sanitation are
major challenges in Fiji, especially in remote areas such as Lekutu. Lack of
local infrastructure and low awareness of good hygiene practices mean
communities, especially children, are vulnerable to water-borne diseases.
2. Current economic crisis
The current economic crisis in Fiji is
essentially due to a health crisis leading to significant uncertainty regarding
spending, investment, and labor market conditions. It is also affected by
international economic conditions and the opening of international borders.
3. Controversial issues,
including racism
Racism is an ongoing and controversial issue
in Fiji, especially in Fijian politics. It has been cited as one of the main
reasons for the occurrence of coups d’état in Fiji in the past. Fiji has
experienced four coups, more than any other country in Oceania.
4. Limited career opportunities
Fiji’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism
and agriculture, which can limit the availability of career opportunities for
expats. This limited job market can make it difficult for individuals to find
suitable employment in Fiji.
5. Environmental challenges
Fiji faces various environmental challenges,
including the degradation of land resources, increased risk of flooding and
inundation to coastal settlements due to climate change, unsustainable
exploitation of marine resources, and the environmental impact of urbanization,
which undermines people’s quality of life.
6. Relocations due to climate
change
Fiji is struggling with relocations as a
result of the climate change crisis. Rising sea levels, floods, and landslides
particularly expose the country to environmental risks and displacement of
communities.
7. High risk of sinking
Due to rising sea levels, Fiji is particularly
exposed to the risk of sinking. This poses a significant threat to coastal
settlements and the overall sustainability of the country.
8. Air pollution
Air pollution is an increasing problem in
Fiji, with major sources including combustion for energy generation, domestic
waste burning, and transport. The release of pollutants into the air can have
negative impacts on human health and the environment.
9. Poverty
Fiji struggles with poverty, with 24.1% of the
population living below the national poverty line in 2019. The country also has
a significant proportion of the employed population earning below $1.90
purchasing power parity per day, indicating a high level of economic
vulnerability.
10. Crime
Crime in Fiji includes robbery, theft, violent
assault, sexual assault, and home invasions. While most crime is opportunistic,
the highest risk is in urban areas and at night. Safety precautions, such as
being cautious in downtown Suva after dark, are advised.
11. Limited career opportunities
Fiji’s economy heavily relies on tourism and
agriculture, limiting the availability of career opportunities for expats. The
lack of diversification in the job market can make it challenging for
individuals to find suitable employment options.
12. Degradation of land
resources
Fiji faces environmental challenges related to
the degradation of land resources, leading to reduced agricultural
productivity. This degradation can negatively impact the livelihoods of
communities dependent on agriculture and exacerbate issues of poverty and food
security.
13. Increased risk of flooding
and inundation
Climate change poses a significant threat to
Fiji, with an increased risk of flooding and inundation of coastal settlements.
This can lead to property damage, displacement of communities, and loss of
livelihoods.
14. Unsustainable exploitation
of marine resources
The unsustainable exploitation of marine
resources in Fiji is a pressing environmental issue. Overfishing and
destructive fishing practices can lead to the depletion of fish stocks,
negatively impacting the livelihoods of coastal communities and the health of
marine ecosystems.
15. Impact of urbanization on
quality of life
The environmental impact of urbanization in
Fiji undermines people’s quality of life. Rapid urban growth can lead to
increased pollution, strain on infrastructure, and decreased access to
essential services, affecting the well-being of communities.
16. Risks of climate change
Fiji is highly vulnerable to the impacts of
climate change, including rising sea levels, cyclones, and droughts. These
environmental risks can have severe consequences for the country’s
infrastructure, economy, and overall well-being of its population.
17. High cost of living
Fiji can be expensive to live in, particularly
for expats or tourists. The cost of living in Fiji is higher compared to some
countries, which can pose financial challenges for individuals and families.
18. Access to healthcare
Access to healthcare can be limited in remote
areas of Fiji. Some communities may struggle with inadequate medical facilities
and a lack of trained healthcare professionals, leading to challenges in
receiving timely and quality healthcare services.
19. Education challenges
Fiji faces education challenges, particularly
in remote areas. Limited infrastructure and resources can lead to inadequate
access to quality education, impacting children’s development and future
opportunities.
20. Political controversies
Political controversies exist in Fiji, often
related to the ethnic fault line that characterizes Fijian politics. Issues related
to race and representation have historically caused tensions and conflicts in
the country.
21. Religious conflicts
Religious conflicts have been present in Fiji,
particularly between different ethnic and religious groups. The tension between
ethnic Fijians and Indian Fijians has sometimes manifested in religious
divisions, with different religious affiliations aligning with specific ethnic
communities.
22. Reliance on tourism as a
source of income
Fiji’s economy heavily relies on tourism as a source of income. The country’s vulnerability to external factors, such as global economic conditions and travel restrictions, can impact tourism revenue and adversely affect the overall economy. Diversification and resilience-building efforts are essential for sustainable economic growth.
Elena Clifford is a member of the writing team at NCESC Geographic FAQ. NCESC Geographic FAQ, where a world of information awaits you! Delve into our comprehensive collection of frequently asked questions, spanning continents, ecosystems, and cultural phenomena.
Fiji, an archipelago in the South Pacific, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and a rich history. It's made up of over 300 islands, with 106 inhabited, and boasts three official languages: Fijian, Hindi, and English.
Here are some more facts about Fiji:
Geography & Environment:
· Island Nation:
Fiji is an archipelago consisting of over 300 islands, with 90% of its territory being water.
· Viti Levu:
The largest island, Viti Levu, is home to the capital city, Suva, and the majority of Fiji's population.
· Coral Reefs:
Fiji is known for its diverse and vibrant coral reefs, including the Great Sea Reef and the Great Astrolabe Reef.
· Topography:
Fiji has a varied topography, with mountains, rainforests, and fertile valleys.
Culture & People:
· Indigenous Fijians:
The native inhabitants of Fiji are the Indigenous Fijians, who are of Polynesian and Melanesian descent.
· Indian Population:
A significant portion of the population is of Indian descent, who came to Fiji as indentured laborers in the 19th century.
· Three Official Languages:
Fijian, Hindi, and English are the three official languages of Fiji.
· Kava:
Kava, a traditional drink made from the root of the kava plant, is a significant part of Fijian culture.
· Rugby:
Fijians are passionate about rugby, with a strong national team and a thriving rugby culture.
· Traditional Cooking:
Traditional Fijian food is often cooked in an earth oven called a "lovo," where food is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground.
· Cultural Etiquette:
It's considered disrespectful to wear a hat in a Fijian village, and it's customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home.
History:
British Colony: Fiji was a British colony from 1874 to 1970, gaining independence in 1970.
"Viti" vs. "Fiji": The native name for the islands is "Viti," while "Fiji" is the name given by the Tongans and popularized by Captain Cook.
9 Fun Facts About Fiji Beyond the Beautiful Beaches
1. Fiji is made up of over 300 islands and 90% of the territory is water. 2. Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world.
Fiji has three official languages. To greatly oversimplify, the Fijians speak Fijian, the Indians speak Hindi, and they all speak ...
Fiji is a country and archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. It surrounds the Koro Sea about 1300 miles (2100 km) north of Auckland, New Zealand.
Kava or kava kava is a plant in the pepper family, native to the Pacific Islands. The name kava is from Tongan and Marquesan, meaning 'bitter.’ Other names for kava include ʻawa, ʻava, yaqona or yagona, sakau, seka, and malok or malogu. Kava can refer to either the plant or a beverage made from its root. Wikipedia
Family Piperaceae Genus Piper Species: P. methysticum
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