Tarawa
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- For other uses, see Tarawa (disambiguation).
Tarawa is an atoll in the central Pacific Ocean, previously the capital of the former British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. South Tarawa, the southern part of the atoll but Betio, is now the capital island of the Republic of Kiribati. The island is most famous for being the site of the Battle of Tarawa in World War II.
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Geography
Tarawa consists of a minimum of 24 islands, of which a minimum of 8 are inhabited. The largest island is from Bonriki to Bairiki. The largest city (Bikenibeu) and the only international airport of Tarawa, Bonriki Airport, are on South Tarawa.
Islands
Towns and villages
Abatao - Bairiki (village) - Bikenibeu - Buariki - Buota - Eita - Marenanuka - Taborio - Teaoraereke
Administration
This atoll has three main subdivisions:
- Teinainano Urban Council (or TUC), from Bairiki to Bonriki, known in English as South Tarawa, the capital of the republic;
- Betio Town Council (or BTC), on Betio Islet;
- North Tarawa or Tarawa Ieta (all the islets of the North Branch).
The main administrative centre for the Republic of Kiribati is located on Bairiki, one of the southernmost islets on Tarawa. But the Parliament is on Ambo islet and some administrations are on Betio or Bikenibeu, and even one on Kiritimati.
History
During World War II, Tarawa was occupied by the Japanese, and starting on November 20, 1943 it was the scene of the bloody Battle of Tarawa. On that day United States Marines landed on Tarawa and Makin atolls and took heavy fire from Japanese shore guns.
Economy
Betio Islet includes the main port through which copra and pearl shell are exported.
Demographics
Population (as of 1990) is 28,802. The population is mostly Micronesian.
Miscellaneous
Tarawa is the site of a teacher's training college and a marine training school, as well as an international airport.
The book Sex Lives of Cannibals By J. Maarten Troost is a humorous account of his two years spent on Tarawa.de:Tarawa fr:Tarawa it:Tarawa ja:タラワ lt:Tarava nl:Tarawa fi:Tarawa