Kiritimati (Christmas) Postal Codes: KI0303 | Line Islands

Key Facts

Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island, is the largest coral atoll in the world and the main island of the Line Islands group within the Republic of Kiribati. Located in the central Pacific Ocean, Kiritimati lies approximately 232 kilometers north of the equator and about 6,700 kilometers southwest of Hawaii, making it one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth. With a land area of about 388 square kilometers, the atoll accounts for nearly 70% of Kiribati's total land territory. The island has a small population of around 6,500 people, primarily concentrated in several villages including London, Paris, Poland, and Banana. Kiritimati is notable for its unique geography, featuring a large lagoon and numerous saltwater ponds, and it spans across the International Date Line, giving it the earliest time zone in the world. The island's economy relies mainly on coconut plantations, fishing, and a growing tourism industry centered around its exceptional bonefishing opportunities and birdwatching. As the primary administrative center for the Line Islands, Kiritimati serves as the hub for accessing detailed information about postal services and administrative subdivisions throughout this remote Pacific territory.