Time Zone |
Pacific/Kiritimati |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+14 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Pacific/Tongatapu |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+13 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Tarawa, Kiribati's capital and largest city, is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and consists of 33 coral islands, making it the only country in the world that straddles both the northern and southern hemispheres, as well as the eastern and western hemispheres. As the administrative center, Tarawa is densely populated and is the political, economic and cultural heart of Kiribati. The atoll city is known for its unique coral landscapes and World War II historical sites, as well as the threat of rising sea levels, one of the focal points of global climate change concerns. The local culture is a blend of Micronesian and Polynesian traditions, with fishing and copra as the mainstays of the economy, demonstrating the rawness and resilience of the South Pacific islands.
The Kingdom of Tonga, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, consists of 172 islands, 36 of which are inhabited, and is the only constitutional monarchy in the South Pacific. The capital, Nuku'alofa, is located on the island of Tabu, Tonga, is the political, economic and cultural center of the country. Known as the "Island of Friendship", the country retains a strong Polynesian heritage with traditional dances, kava ceremonies and wood carvings. The economy is based on agriculture, fishing and tourism, and is characterized by unspoiled natural landscapes such as coral reefs, beaches and rainforests. Tonga is uniquely situated to be one of the first countries west of the International Date Line to welcome the New Year, attracting many tourists each year to welcome the dawn of the New Year. The official languages are Tongan and English, the currency is the panga, and tourism has emerged in recent years as an important driver of economic growth.