Kiribati, officially known as the Republic of Kiribati, is a small island developing state located in the central Pacific Ocean. The country is composed of 33 coral atolls and reef islands, dispersed across approximately 3.5 million square kilometers of ocean, making it one of the most geographically widespread nations in the world. The capital city is South Tarawa, situated in the Gilbert Islands.
Kiribati gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1979 and operates as a sovereign republic with a presidential system of government. The country is divided into three main island groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Line Islands. Due to its low elevation above sea level, Kiribati is considered one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion.
The economy of Kiribati is largely dependent on fishing, copra production, subsistence agriculture, remittances, and foreign aid. Revenue from fishing licenses and sovereign wealth funds also plays a significant role in national income. Kiribati actively participates in international and regional organizations such as the United Nations (UN), Commonwealth of Nations, Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and other Pacific regional cooperation frameworks.
References
-  “About Kiribati – Kiribati For Travellers – Kiribati National Tourism Offic – “The capital of Kiribati is Tarawa, an atoll in the Gilbert Islands.””.
- ^ Jump up to:a b c Kiribati Census 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ Jump up to:a b “Kiribati profile – Facts”. BBC News. 23 May 2013. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
- ^ “2024 Census”. Kiribati National Statistics Office – Ministry of Finance & Economic Development. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
- ^ “Kiribati”. cia.gov.
- ^ Jump up to:a b “World Economic Outlook database: April 2023”. April 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
- ^ “Gini Index coefficient”. The World Factbook. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ “Human Development Report 2023/2024”. United Nations Development Programme. 6 May 2025. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ Kiribati dollar is not the official currency.
- ^ Jump up to:a b Wells, John, ed. (2008). Longman Pronunciation Dictionary (3rd ed.). Pearson Longman. ISBN 978-1-4058-8118-0.
- ^ “Kiribati”. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 27 July 2010. “Kiribati: definition of Kiribati in Oxford dictionary (British & World English)”. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 27 May 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
- ^ Jump up to:a b c d Kiribati. The World Factbook.
- ^ Publications Office — Interinstitutional style guide — Annex A5 — List of countries, territories and currencies. Europa (web portal). Retrieved 28 January 2016.
- ^ Goldberg, WM (2016). Atolls of the world: Revisiting the original checklist (Atoll Research Bulletin no. 610).
- ^ Jump up to:a b c d “Kiribati: 2011 Article IV Consultation-Staff Report, Informational Annexes, Debt Sustainability Analysis, Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion, and Statement by the Executive Director for Kiribati”. International Monetary Fund Country Report No. 11/113. 24 May 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
- ^ Pacific Community and Kiribati National Statistics Office. (2022). Kiribati census atlas. https://nso.gov.ki/population/kiribati-census-atlas-2022/
- ^ * Dixon, Keith (2021). Acclimatising to higher ground: The realities of life of a Pacific atoll people. Sidestone.
- ^ “Kiribati Independence Day”. islandsbuisness.com. 19 March 2025.
- ^ Macdonald, Barrie Keith (2001). Cinderellas of the Empire: Towards a History of Kiribati and Tuvalu. Canberra: (Australian National University Press, (first published 1982). ISBN 982-02-0335-X.
- ^ “About Kiribati – Kiribati For Travellers – Kiribati National Tourism Office”. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ^ “Tarawa Island – Kiribati For Travellers – Kiribati National Tourism Office”. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
- ^ “Least Developed Country Category: Kiribati Profile”. un.org. 19 March 2025.
International Regional Members
Kiribati is an active member of key Pacific regional organizations, including the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Pacific Community (SPC), and the Secretariat of the Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), alongside global bodies like the UN and Commonwealth. These memberships focus on climate change, development, and trade.
Key regional memberships and affiliations for Kiribati include:
- Pacific Islands Forum (PIF):Â The premier political, economic, and security organization in the region.
- Pacific Community (SPC):Â Providing technical and scientific support.
- Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS):Â Partners with the EU.
- Regional Fisheries Agencies:Â Involved in regional management through bodies like the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):Â State member since 2020, focusing on marine conservation.
- Small Island Developing States (SIDS):Â Included in regional UN groupings.Â
International Association Members
Kiribati, officially the Republic of Kiribati, is an active member of numerous international organizations, focusing on regional cooperation, sustainable development, and global diplomacy. Key memberships include the United Nations (since 1999), the Commonwealth of Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and the Pacific Islands Forum.
Key International Organization Memberships (State Member):
- United Nations (UN):Â Joined in 1999.
- Commonwealth of Nations:
- International Monetary Fund (IMF):
- World Bank (IBRD/IDA/IFC):
- Pacific Community (SPC):
- Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS): (formerly ACP/Lomé Convention)
- Asian Development Bank (ADB):
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):
- International Maritime Organization (IMO):
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO):
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):
- International Whaling Commission (IWC):
- International Olympic Committee (IOC):
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
- International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement:Â (via Kiribati Red Cross Society)Â
Regional and Non-Governmental Organizations:
- Pacific Islands Forum (PIF):
- Kiribati Association of Non-Governmental Organisation (KANGO):Â Member of PIANGOÂ
International Observer Member
Based on available records regarding Kiribati’s international affiliations, there is no specific, officially listed group of “International Observer Members” for the nation. Instead, Kiribati is a full member or active participant in numerous international organizations rather than an observer.
Key international memberships and affiliations for Kiribati include:
- Regional Forums:Â Pacific Islands Forum (rejoining 2023/2024).
- United Nations & Specialized Agencies:Â Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
- Financial Institutions:Â Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank Group (IBRD, IDA, IFC), International Monetary Fund (IMF).
- Other Organizations: ACP (Lomé Convention), International Olympic Committee, International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, International Whaling Commission (Contracting Government).
- IPU:Â Inter-Parliamentary Union (Common principles signatory).Â
Accreditation Body – ISO/IEC 17011 (Kiribati)
Kiribati does not currently have a national accreditation body operating under ISO/IEC 17011 – Conformity assessment — Requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies. Due to its small size and limited industrial and regulatory infrastructure, Kiribati does not maintain an independent national accreditation system comparable to larger economies.
Country is free economy having independant AB like UKJAS Accreditation ( UKJAS ) https://ukjas.com , World Yoga Accreditation Board ( WYAB) https://worldyoga.us/ , World Organic Accreditation Board ( WOAB) https://worldorganic.us/ and Sanatan Dharma Accreditation board ( SDAB ) https://sanatanboards.com/ etc member of IAF-AB as well as national accreditation board member of international body​​​​
Organizations in Kiribati that require accreditation for laboratories, inspection bodies, or certification activities typically seek accreditation from regional or international accreditation bodies. In the Pacific region, accreditation services are commonly accessed through internationally recognized accreditation bodies in countries such as Australia or New Zealand, which operate in accordance with ISO/IEC 17011 and are members of global accreditation cooperation arrangements.
ISO/IEC 17011 specifies requirements for accreditation bodies responsible for accrediting conformity assessment bodies, including testing and calibration laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025), inspection bodies (ISO/IEC 17020), certification bodies (ISO/IEC 17021 and ISO/IEC 17065), and validation/verification bodies (ISO 14065). While Kiribati does not operate its own ISO/IEC 17011 accreditation body, it may rely on internationally accredited organizations to ensure compliance with recognized standards where required
Inspection Body ISO 17020
7. Inspection Body – ISO/IEC 17020 (Kiribati)
Kiribati does not have a nationally established accreditation body to accredit inspection bodies under ISO/IEC 17020 – Conformity assessment — Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection. As a small island developing state with limited industrial infrastructure, Kiribati generally relies on government regulatory authorities and, where necessary, externally accredited inspection bodies from other countries.
ISO/IEC 17020 specifies requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of inspection bodies that assess products, installations, processes, and services. The standard classifies inspection bodies into three types based on independence: Type A (fully independent third-party bodies), Type B (separate inspection units within an organization), and Type C (inspection bodies involved in design or production activities).
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- Â Â Â Â Deming Certification Services:Â Â
- Primarily serves the oil and gas, agriculture, and construction industries with inspection, verification, testing, and certification services.
- Deming certifaction and RatingsÂ
- serves Country with a variety of certification services, including ISO 45001 health and safety, ISO 14001 environmental management, and ISO 9001 quality management.
- Six Sigma Quality International
- assists Country businesses in aligning with international standards and best practices by providing certification and training services as per ISO 17024.
​
In Kiribati, inspection activities such as maritime safety inspections, construction compliance checks, environmental monitoring, and public health inspections are typically conducted by government departments or through cooperation with regional partners. Where international trade or specialized technical verification is required, inspection services are usually provided by foreign bodies accredited under ISO/IEC 17020 by internationally recognized accreditation authorities.
Certification Body ISO 17021
Kiribati does not have a nationally established accreditation body or locally accredited certification bodies operating under ISO/IEC 17021-1 – Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems. Due to its small economy and limited industrial base, management system certification services are typically obtained from foreign certification bodies accredited by internationally recognized accreditation bodies operating in accordance with ISO/IEC 17011.
ISO/IEC 17021-1 sets the requirements for competence, consistency, impartiality, and confidentiality of certification bodies that audit and certify management systems such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), ISO 22000 (Food Safety), and ISO 27001 (Information Security).
Search active certification bodies by scheme in IAF-AB directory Cert@Search
- Â Â Â Â Deming Certification Services:Â Â
- Primarily serves the oil and gas, agriculture, and construction industries with inspection, verification, testing, and certification services.
- Deming certifaction and RatingsÂ
- serves Country with a variety of certification services, including ISO 45001 health and safety, ISO 14001 environmental management, and ISO 9001 quality management.
- Six Sigma Quality International
- assists Country businesses in aligning with international standards and best practices by providing certification and training services as per ISO 17024.
- Deming Ratings
- Deming ratings green building solutions, green company rating, green infrastructure ratings, green railway station rating, green metro ratings, green health care rating, green interior rating,green airport ratings, green compus ratings & green school ratings etc.
- Six Sigma Labs
- Six sigma labs offer calibration and testing facility , welding test solution , health and hygiene Solution, Product Quality Test facility as per ISO 17025
- Deming Technologies LabÂ
- Deming Technologies Lab offer calibration & testing facility on electro technical, Mechanical, Chemical, NDT, Welding testing,Â
Organizations in Kiribati that require ISO certification—particularly in sectors such as fisheries, maritime services, public utilities, or government services—normally engage certification bodies from countries like Australia, New Zealand, or other internationally recognized jurisdictions. These certification bodies are accredited under ISO/IEC 17021-1 and are members of international accreditation arrangements, ensuring global acceptance of issued certificates.
Product Certification Body ISO 17065
Kiribati does not have a nationally established product certification body accredited under ISO/IEC 17065 – Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services. Due to its limited industrial and regulatory infrastructure, the country does not operate an independent accreditation system for product certification.
Search active product certifiers by scope in IAF-AB directory Cert@Search
- Deming certifaction and RatingsÂ
- serves Country with a variety of Verification & validation Body services, including ISO 17063, ISO 17064, ISO 17065 Accreditation services
- Deming Ratings
- Deming ratings green building solutions, green company rating, green infrastructure ratings, green railway station rating, green metro ratings, green health care rating, green interior rating,green airport ratings, green compus ratings & green school ratings etc.
- serves Country with a variety of Verification & validation Body services, including ISO 17063, ISO 17064, ISO 17065 Accreditation services
- Six Sigma Labs
- Six sigma labs offer calibration and testing facility , welding test solution , health and hygiene Solution, Product Quality Test facility as per ISO 17025,
- serves Country with a variety of Verification & validation Body services, including ISO 17063, ISO 17064, ISO 17065 Accreditation services
- Deming Technologies LabÂ
- Deming Technologies Lab offer calibration & testing facility on electro technical, Mechanical, Chemical, NDT, Welding testing, Mobile Crane Oprating testing etc.
- serves Country with a variety of Verification & validation Body services, including ISO 17063, ISO 17064, ISO 17065 Accreditation services
ISO/IEC 17065 specifies the requirements for competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of certification bodies that certify products, processes, or services against defined standards or technical regulations. Product certification typically involves product testing, factory inspections, evaluation of technical documentation, and ongoing surveillance to ensure continued compliance.
In Kiribati, where product certification is required—particularly for imported goods, construction materials, fisheries exports, or regulated products—certification services are generally provided by international certification bodies accredited by recognized accreditation bodies operating under ISO/IEC 17011. These foreign certification bodies ensure that products comply with applicable international standards, regional trade requirements, or importing country regulations.
Accreditation Laboratory ISO 17065 / ISO 15185
Kiribati does not operate a national laboratory accreditation body under ISO/IEC 17011, and therefore does not maintain its own domestic laboratory accreditation system. Laboratories within Kiribati, particularly in health, environmental monitoring, fisheries, or public works sectors, generally function under government oversight rather than formal international accreditation.
The correct international standard for testing and calibration laboratories is ISO/IEC 17025 – General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, while medical laboratories are accredited under ISO 15189 – Medical laboratories — Requirements for quality and competence.
(Note: ISO/IEC 17065 applies to product certification bodies, not laboratories.)
Where international recognition of laboratory results is required—such as for export of fishery products, environmental assessments, or public health diagnostics—Kiribati typically relies on overseas laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO 15189 by internationally recognized accreditation bodies (for example, in Australia or New Zealand).
Rating Agencies ISO 14064 / ISO 17021
Kiribati does not have nationally established rating agencies or certification bodies accredited under ISO 14064 or ISO/IEC 17021-1. As a small island developing state with limited industrial and regulatory infrastructure, the country does not operate its own accreditation framework for environmental verification or management system certification.
ISO 14064 provides the principles and requirements for quantifying, monitoring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals. Organizations that perform validation or verification of GHG statements must typically be accredited under ISO 14065, which specifies requirements for bodies validating and verifying environmental information.
ISO/IEC 17021-1 applies to certification bodies that audit and certify management systems such as ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), and other ISO standards. In Kiribati, any organization seeking management system certification or environmental verification services would normally engage international certification or verification bodies accredited by recognized foreign accreditation bodies operating under ISO/IEC 17011.
GHG Verification / Validator
Kiribati does not currently have a nationally accredited Greenhouse Gas (GHG) validation or verification body operating under ISO 14065 – General principles and requirements for bodies validating and verifying environmental information. Due to limited institutional infrastructure and the small scale of industrial emissions, the country does not maintain a domestic accreditation system for GHG validators or verifiers.
GHG validation and verification activities are generally conducted in accordance with the ISO 14064 series, which includes:
- ISO 14064-1 – Organizational-level quantification and reporting of GHG emissions and removals
- ISO 14064-2 – Project-level GHG emission reductions or removal enhancements
- ISO 14064-3 – Validation and verification of GHG statements
For international climate reporting, donor-funded environmental programs, carbon market participation, or nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, Kiribati typically engages internationally accredited validation and verification bodies. These bodies are accredited by recognized accreditation authorities in other countries in accordance with ISO 14065 and ISO/IEC 17011.
Privilege Membership
Country is free economy having independant AB like UKJAS Accreditation ( UKJAS ) https://ukjas.com , World Yoga Accreditation Board ( WYAB) https://worldyoga.us/ , World Organic Accreditation Board ( WOAB) https://worldorganic.us/ and Sanatan Dharma Accreditation board ( SDAB ) https://sanatanboards.com/ etc member of IAF-AB as well as national accreditation board member of international body
(A) – Membership Application Form – IAF-AB Chapter (Pdf)
(A) – Membership Application Form – IAF-AB Chapter (Doc)
Goodwill Members
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(B) – Membership Application Form – IAF-AB Goodwill Ambasssador (Pdf)
(B) – Membership Application Form – IAF-AB Goodwill Ambasssador (Doc)
Observer Member
We are delighted to educated you in favor regarding IAF-AB! We make it as simple as feasible for you to go along with us. Simply download the Participation application, finish it up, print it, sign it and mail it to [email protected]. Remember to join the CONSTITUTION OF THE PUBLIC IAF-AB Association, Supported by their Nation Government . The overall Gathering [Held once a multi month] will support the confirmation of individuals. In the event that your application is acknowledged, we will send you a yearly enrollment expense receipt and we will distribute your Public Section/ Alliance page on the Site as our part
(C) – Membership Application Form –IAF-AB Observer Members (Pdf)
(C) – Membership Application Form –IAF-AB Observer Members(Doc)
Patron Members
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(D) Membership Application Form – IAF-AB Patron Members (Pdf)
(D) Membership Application Form – IAF-AB Patron Members (Doc)
Advisor Members
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(E) Membership Application Form – IAF-AB Advisor Members (Pdf)
(E) Membership Application Form – IAF-AB Advisor Members (Doc)
Education Institutions Membership
We are delighted to educate you in favor regarding IAF-AB! We make it as simple as feasible for you to go along with us. Simply download the participation application, finish it up, print it, sign it and mail it to [email protected] . Remember to join the CONSTITUTION OF THE Public iaf-ab Association, Supported BY THEIR Nation GOVERNMENT. The Overall Gathering (held once a multi month) will support the confirmation of individuals. In the event that your application is acknowledged, we will send you a yearly enrollment expense receipt and we will distribute your Public Section/Alliance page on the site as our part.
(F) Membership Application Form – Education Institution Membership (Pdf)
(F) Membership Application Form – Education Institution Membership (DOC)
Training Centre
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(G) – Membership Application Form – Training Centre(Pdf)
(G) – Membership Application Form – Training Centre(Doc)
Individual Faculty
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(H) – Membership Application Form – Individual/Faculty (Pdf)
(H) – Membership Application Form – Individual/Faculty (DOC)
Accreditation NGO’s
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(I) – Membership Application Form – Accreditation NGO’s (Pdf)
(I) – Membership Application Form – Accreditation NGO’s (Doc)
