People
Who they are
The people of Kiribati, also known as I-Kiribati, are the indigenous people of the atolls and coral islands scattered across the vast central Pacific Ocean. With an identity deeply tied to the sea, over the centuries they have developed exceptional skills in traditional navigation and survival on islands with sandy soil and limited resources. They speak the Kiribati language and share a communal way of life in which solidarity and mutual dependence are essential to meeting the challenges of living across such a scattered and isolated territory.
Where they live
7
Countries
152K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Kiribati Partially reached
|
85%
|
128.000 |
Solomon Islands Significantly reached
|
6.6%
|
10.000 |
Fiji Partially reached
|
4.6%
|
6.900 |
New Zealand Partially reached
|
1.6%
|
2.400 |
Nauru Partially reached
|
1.5%
|
2.200 |
Vanuatu Partially reached
|
0.7%
|
1.000 |
Tuvalu Partially reached
|
0.1%
|
90 |
How they live
Life on the atolls revolves around small-scale fishing, harvesting coconuts, and growing swamp taro in pits dug in the sand. Families gather in the mwaneaba, the traditional communal house that serves as a court, social center, and place for collective decision-making led by elders. Sharing resources and a sense of duty to family take precedence over individual interests, ensuring survival on the remote islands.
What they believe
The vast majority of I-Kiribati profess the Christian faith, a result of missionary work in past centuries, and belong to historic Protestant and Catholic traditions. However, in many homes religious practice coexists with nominal faith and persistent traditional beliefs in ancestral spirits and protective magic, making a deeper and more personal understanding of grace in Christ an urgent need.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Kiribati
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)98.4%
Evangelicals9.8%
Needs
Rising sea levels directly threaten freshwater sources and the stability of communities on the low-lying atolls. Alongside environmental challenges and limited economic resources, there is a great need for solid discipleship so that local congregations can grow in genuine faith and live out the gospel in their everyday decisions.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pelo aprofundamento bíblico das igrejas locais, superando o nominalismo e as práticas de feitiçaria.
Por resiliência e sustento diante das constantes ameaças das mudanças climáticas e da elevação do mar.
Pela formação de líderes espirituais comprometidos com o discipulado autêntico e a centralidade da Palavra.
Por novas oportunidades de trabalho e esperança para as famílias que enfrentam o isolamento nos atóis mais distantes.
Pray for I-Kiribati
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
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