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.
Geography
Tarawa consists of minimum 24 islands, which minimum 8 are inhabited. The greatest island is Bonriki. Here is the largest city (Bikenibeu) and the only international airport of Tarawa.
Islands
Towns and villages
Abatao - Bairiki (village) - Bikenibeu - Buariki - Buota - Eita - Marenanuka - Taborio - Bairiki, one of the southernmost islets on Tarawa. But the Parliament is on Ambo islet and some administrations are on Betio or Bikenibeu.
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.
