Xmas Island or Kristmas, in overseas 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, can be a distant coral atoll located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is a component from the Republic of Kiribati and is particularly notable for its measurement, biodiversity, and unique historical past.
Vital Information
Location:
Located in the Line Islands, Kiritimati is two,160 kilometers (1,340 miles) south of Honolulu, Hawaii.
It lies just west of the Global Date Line, which makes it among the to start with areas in the world to greet The brand new day.
Dimensions:
It is actually the largest coral atoll on the globe by land location, masking approximately 388 square kilometers (one hundred fifty sq. miles).
Its extensive lagoon program provides A further 500 square kilometers of water.
Population:
All around six,000 inhabitants, primarily concentrated in villages like Tabwakea, Banana, and London.
Geography and Surroundings
Atoll Framework:
Kiritimati is a hoop-shaped atoll with a considerable, shallow lagoon at its Centre and a series of smaller lagoons and salt flats.
Biodiversity:
The island is residence to several seabird colonies, like species for instance frigatebirds, terns, and boobies, rendering it a globally major hen sanctuary.
Marine existence is plentiful, with coral reefs supporting various fish species.
Climate:
The island ordeals a tropical local climate with very little variation in temperature 12 months-round.
Rainfall is sporadic, affected by El Niño and La Niña designs.
Cultural and Historical Importance
Discovery:
The island was named "Christmas Island" by Captain James Cook, who found out it on Christmas Eve in 1777.
Planet War II:
Utilized as a strategic site by Allied forces.
Nuclear Screening:
The island was a website for British and American nuclear tests while in the 1950s and nineteen sixties, leaving historical scars but will also inadvertently safeguarding the island from overdevelopment.
Conventional Tactics:
Citizens maintain areas of Kiribati's conventional Micronesian tradition, including dance, fishing, and local crafts.
Tourism and Things to do
Birdwatching:
The island is actually a paradise for ornithologists due to its varied and various seabird species.
Fishing:
Kiritimati is actually a earth-course vacation spot for fly fishing, specifically for bonefish and trevally.
Diving and Snorkeling:
The coral reefs give Excellent alternatives to discover marine daily life.
Ecotourism:
Visitors can discover the island’s lagoons, salt flats, and normal natural beauty inside a minimal-affect way.
Troubles
Soaring Sea Ranges:
Like a minimal-lying atoll, Kiritimati faces important challenges from weather transform and mounting sea degrees.
Sustainability:
Confined freshwater methods and overfishing are ongoing problems for that regional populace.Kiritimati Island