Tarawa

Tarawa is an atoll in the central Pacific Ocean, previously the capital of the former British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. Tarawa is now the capital of the Republic of Kiribati.

Administration

The administrative center for the Republic of Kiribati is on Bairiki, one of the southernmost islets on Tarawa.

History

During World War II, Tarawa was occupied by the Japanese, and starting on November 20, 1943 it was the scene of the bloody Battle of Tarawa. On that day United States Marines landed on Tarawa and Makin atolls and took heavy fire from Japanese shore guns.

Economy

Betio Islet includes the main port through which copra and pearl shell are exported.

Demographics

Population (as of 1990) is 28,802. The population is mostly Micronesian.

Miscellaneous

Tarawa is the site of a teacher's training college and a marine training school, as well as an international airport.