Kiribati does not share land borders with any country because it is made up of scattered islands across the central Pacific Ocean. Instead, it shares maritime borders with eight neighboring nations, defined by overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). These maritime neighbors highlight Kiribati’s unique position in a vast ocean region where countries manage rights to marine resources and ocean spaces rather than land.
Below is a list of countries that border Kiribati through their maritime boundaries.
Flag This column shows each country’s national flag, giving a quick visual reference.
Capital City Here you find the capital city of each neighboring country or territory.
Approx. Closest Distance (km) This indicates the shortest distance between Kiribati and the neighboring country’s closest point within their EEZs, measured in kilometers.
countries that border kiribati
| Country | Flag | Capital City |
|---|---|---|
| Tuvalu | 🇹🇻 | Funafuti |
| Nauru | 🇳🇷 | Yaren District |
| Marshall Islands | 🇲🇭 | Majuro |
| Solomon Islands | 🇸🇧 | Honiara |
| United States | 🇺🇸 | Washington, D.C. |
| France | 🇵🇫 | Papeete |
| Cook Islands | 🇨🇰 | Avarua |
| Tokelau | 🇹🇰 | Nukunonu |
Descriptions
Tuvalu
Tuvalu, a small island nation, lies just south of Kiribati’s Gilbert Islands. Their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) are contiguous, forming a shared maritime boundary that underscores their close geographical and cultural ties in the vast Pacific Ocean.
Nauru
Nauru, the world’s smallest independent republic, is located west of Kiribati’s Gilbert Islands. Their contiguous maritime boundary highlights the intricate network of EEZs defining sovereignty and resource rights among Pacific island nations.
Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands, an atoll nation, lies northwest of Kiribati’s Gilbert Islands. Their contiguous Exclusive Economic Zones represent a significant shared maritime space, crucial for ocean resource management and regional cooperation.
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands, an archipelagic nation, shares a maritime border with Kiribati to its southwest. This common EEZ boundary emphasizes the interconnectedness of these island nations in managing their valuable oceanic resources and promoting regional stability.
United States
The United States, through its uninhabited Howland and Baker Islands, shares a maritime border with Kiribati’s Phoenix Islands. This boundary highlights Kiribati’s strategic position and the international interest in its vast oceanic domain.
France
France, via its overseas collectivity of French Polynesia, shares an extensive maritime boundary with Kiribati’s Line Islands. This shared EEZ underscores the vast reach of both nations’ maritime territories across the central Pacific.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands, a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand, shares a significant maritime boundary with Kiribati’s Southern Line Islands. Their contiguous EEZs reflect shared interests in oceanic governance and environmental protection.
Tokelau
Tokelau, a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand, shares a maritime boundary with Kiribati’s Line Islands. This shared EEZ connects these small island entities, emphasizing the intricate web of maritime claims in the Pacific.
