Kiritimati Island
Kiritimati Island
Blog Article
Xmas Island or Kristmas, in foreign literature - Kiritimati (English Xmas Island, Kiribati) is definitely an atoll in the road Archipelago, belongs to Kiribati.
Kiritimati Island, also referred to as Xmas Island, is usually a distant coral atoll located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is an element with the Republic of Kiribati and is also notable for its dimensions, biodiversity, and exclusive background.
Key Info
Spot:
Situated in the Line Islands, Kiritimati is two,160 kilometers (one,340 miles) south of Honolulu, Hawaii.
It lies just west from the Global Date Line, which makes it among the to start with areas on this planet to greet the new day.
Sizing:
It truly is the most important coral atoll on earth by land space, covering about 388 sq. kilometers (a hundred and fifty square miles).
Its substantial lagoon procedure provides An additional 500 square kilometers of drinking water.
Populace:
All-around six,000 residents, mostly concentrated in villages like Tabwakea, Banana, and London.
Geography and Natural environment
Atoll Composition:
Kiritimati is a hoop-formed atoll with a significant, shallow lagoon at its center along with a series of smaller sized lagoons and salt flats.
Biodiversity:
The island is residence to quite a few seabird colonies, which include species which include frigatebirds, terns, and boobies, rendering it a globally major chook sanctuary.
Maritime daily life is plentiful, with coral reefs supporting various fish species.
Local weather:
The island experiences a tropical local climate with minimal variation in temperature 12 months-round.
Rainfall is sporadic, influenced by El Niño and La Niña styles.
Cultural and Historical Importance
Discovery:
The island was named "Xmas Island" by Captain James Cook, who found it on Xmas Eve in 1777.
Entire world War II:
Utilised as being a strategic location by Allied forces.
Nuclear Tests:
The island was a internet site for British and American nuclear testing during the nineteen fifties and sixties, leaving historical scars but also inadvertently preserving the island from overdevelopment.
Classic Practices:
Inhabitants preserve components of Kiribati's classic Micronesian culture, like dance, fishing, and native crafts.
Tourism and Pursuits
Birdwatching:
The island is a paradise for ornithologists resulting from its diverse and diverse seabird species.
Fishing:
Kiritimati is usually a planet-course desired destination for fly fishing, especially for bonefish and trevally.
Diving and Snorkeling:
The coral reefs offer you exceptional options to examine maritime lifestyle.
Ecotourism:
Website visitors can take a look at the island’s lagoons, salt flats, and all-natural splendor in a very small-influence method.
Problems
Climbing Sea Concentrations:
As a low-lying atoll, Kiritimati faces substantial hazards from local weather modify and climbing sea stages.
Sustainability:
Constrained freshwater assets and overfishing are ongoing worries to the neighborhood population.Kiritimati Island