Kiribati is a nation consisting of 33 coral atolls and islands in the Pacific Ocean. It has a fascinating culture and geography that lends itself well to riddles. In this article, we have compiled 35 riddles about Kiribati along with their answers. Some riddles focus on the names of islands or the landscape, while others relate to the lifestyle and culture of the I-Kiribati people. The riddles vary in difficulty, so there should be something here to challenge and delight curious minds young and old. Read on for 35 entertaining brainteasers about this lesser-known South Pacific country!
Riddles about Kiribati’s Geography
Kiribati encompasses 33 islands spread out over a huge expanse of the Pacific. Let’s start with some riddles that focus on the geography of this island nation.
Riddle #1
I’m an atoll found at the very edge of Kiribati. My name means “land lying in the ocean”. Many battles in World War II were fought on my shores. What am I?
Answer: Tarawa
Riddle #2
We are two islands that sound like popular female names from English-speaking countries. We can be found in the Gilbert island group. Who are we?
Answer: Abaiang and Abemama
Riddle #3
I am an island located where the equator meets the international date line. Half of me lies in yesterday while the other half lies in tomorrow. What island am I?
Answer: Kiritimati (Christmas Island)
Riddle #4
Three of Kiribati island names – Abaiang, Tarawa and Maiana – contain consecutive letters of the English alphabet. Can you name another island from Kiribati that fits this same pattern?
Answer: Tabuaeran or Fanning Island
Riddle #5
I am a Kiribati island that served as an American military base during World War II. A famous battle with the same name as me also took place here. What island am I?
Answer: Tarawa
Riddle #6
Two of my islands have names that are palindromes – the same forwards as backwards. They lie in the Gilbert island group. What islands am I describing?
Answer: Abaiang and Nanmakaina
Riddle #7
I am the world’s largest coral atoll with a lagoon area of 690 square miles. Captain Bartholomew Schouten became the first European to discover me on Christmas Eve in 1648. What Kiribati atoll am I?
Answer: Kiritimati (Christmas) Island
Riddle #8
Part of my name means “bosom of mother”. I was discovered by the Spanish expedition led by Francisco de Castro in 1529. What Kiribati island am I?
Answer: Tabiteuea (also called Drummond’s Island)
Riddles about I-Kiribati Culture
Now let’s move on to some riddles focused on the unique culture and lifestyle found in Kiribati. These brainteasers highlight everything from traditional foods to local sports.
Riddle #9
I am a traditional I-Kiribati home built using materials found along the shoreline. My framework is made of wood or bamboo, while walls and roof are thatched with woven palm fronds. What type of dwelling am I?
Answer: Maneaba
Riddle #10
We are scary spirits from I-Kiribati folklore that can take possession of people. Our name comes from the word meaning “to catch by black magic.” Beware of us! What are we called?
Answer: Tabu
Riddle #11
When a boy in Kiribati comes of age between 14 and 16 years old, his family may hold this ceremony to mark the transition to manhood. It involves dressing the boy in ceremonial garb, shaving his head, and more. What is the name of this ritual?
Answer: Te Kawaewae
Riddle #12
I am a traditional sport similar to football played in Kiribati. My name translates to “the coconut sport” due to the use of coconut shells as goal markers. Players can only touch the ball with their feet or heads. What sport am I?
Answer: Te Ano
Riddle #13
Local folklore says I was brought back to Kiribati by the mythical warrior Tematawarebwe from Samoa. I am a wrestling style where fighters use oil and grappling techniques to try to throw each other to the ground. What Kiribati martial art and dance am I?
Answer: Te Rikei
Riddle #14
Sailors following ocean currents discovered me. I am a popular drink in Kiribati made from the orange-red flowers of a local plant mixed with coconut milk. My name means “to wrap around”. What sweet beverage am I?
Answer: Te Karewe
Riddle #15
I am a traditional I-Kiribati dance performed while recounting myths, legends and history through song and movement. My name translates to “the standing dance.” What dance am I?
Answer: Te Kaimatoa
Riddle #16
When welcoming visitors or at formal events, I-Kiribati perform this traditional dance in slower, formal styles along with graceful hand movements. Often dances tell a story. What is the name of this ceremonial Kiribati dance?
Answer: Te Kabaati
Riddle #17
Legend says I keep my beautiful hairdo by washing it in these magical pools and lagoons. My flowing locks never tangle! What mythical spirit with gorgeous hair am I?
Answer: Te Reretabanga
Riddle #18
Sail me across the lagoon, but beware – I am known to sometimes secretly help those from certain families and lineages! Who or what am I?
Answer: A mwaneaba canoe
Riddles about Kiribati’s Environment
The environment of Kiribati provides fertile ground for riddles. Here are some brainteasers focused on the native plants and animals of this island nation.
Riddle #19
I am a coconut crab named after a Gilbertese chief from legend. I don’t climb trees but sometimes fall out by accident due to my heavy weight. Getting me down isn’t easy! Who am I?
Answer: Te Utu
Riddle #20
Sailors use my sturdy timbers for the ribs and hulls of ships and boats. Giant versions of me grow on two of Kiribati’s islands. My resin is also used for caulking. What type of tree am I?
Answer: Te Manaraa tree
Riddle #21
My name comes from the phrase “to float about without any control.” At night, my bioluminescent glow lights up ocean waters attracting prey. What mysterious sea creature am I?
Answer: Te Tewe
Riddle #22
I am a popular drink in Kiribati made from the orange-red flowers of this local plant mixed with coconut milk. My name means “to wrap around”. What is the plant used to make me?
Answer: Te ren
Riddle #23
Fishermen weave my fronds into nets and use my timber for fish traps. At high tide, crabs dwelling inside me move to higher ground to avoid drowning. What mangrove tree am I?
Answer: Te tangir or Bruguiera gymnorrhiza
Riddle #24
Sailors following ocean currents discovered me. I am a vine native to Kiribati that produces gourd-like fruit containing a sweet edible pulp. What plant am I?
Answer: Te bero
Riddles about Kiribati’s Economy
The economy of Kiribati relies heavily on fishing and agriculture. Here are some brainteasers focused on the industries and exports that drive this island nation.
Riddle #25
I am a sea snail prized for my spiral shell often used in handicrafts. Some call me the money cowrie because I was traditionally used as currency on many Pacific islands including Kiribati. What mollusk am I?
Answer: Te buriburi or the money cowrie (Cypraea moneta)
Riddle #26
Fishermen collect and dry my red larvae to sell as bait for tuna fishing. I cling to the undersides of coconut leaves. Bright light makes my larvae wiggle out of their cases. What insect am I?
Answer: Te nikabubuti (Coconut scale insect or Aspidiotus destructor)
Riddle #27
I am a seaweed exported from Kiribati to Japan to make paper, toothpaste, ice cream and other products. Known as “green caviar,” my jelly-like balls burst refreshingly in the mouth. What algae am I?
Answer: Te anone, green caviar, or Caulerpa lentillifera
Riddle #28
We are tiny gold and silver fish popular in aquariums for their shimmering colors. Fishermen export us to Asia and beyond from our home in Kiribati waters. What are we?
Answer: Te moi (neon fusiliers)
Riddle #29
I am the national currency of Kiribati. Circulating me are coins issued in denominations like 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. Bills come in $1, $2, $5 etc. What am I called?
Answer: The Australian dollar (Kiribati uses the Australian dollar as its currency)
Miscellaneous Riddles about Kiribati
Here are a few last Kiribati riddles touching on other topics like famous structures, statistical figures and more. Give these interesting brainteasers a try!
Riddle #30
Built in the 1950s using local materials, I am a Catholic church with vaulted arches resembling the ribs of an upturned boat. I am an iconic landmark found in Kiribati’s capital city. What church am I?
Answer: Te Mwaneaba Bakoa (or Banaba Church)
Riddle #31
Only found on Kiritimati Island, we are intriguing stone towers over 6 feet (2m) high. Local legend says we were used as border markers between different villages. What monuments are we?
Answer: Te roro
Riddle #32
I am the world’s smallest republic in terms of land size. My total land area is only 313 square miles (811 sq km) while France is over 210,000 square miles. However, with ocean territory I am actually one of the world’s largest countries by area. What tiny island nation am I?
Answer: The Republic of Kiribati
Riddle #33
As of 2015, this Gilbertese island had the highest population of I-Kiribati people at over 68,000. In contrast, some outer islands have less than 500 residents. What is the most populous Kiribati island?
Answer: South Tarawa
Riddle #34
Excluding the 8% who are expatriate workers and their families, most people on these islands belong to this main ethnic group speaking their own Austronesian language. Who are the native people of Kiribati?
Answer: I-Kiribati
Riddle #35
Only found on Washington, Fanning, Christmas and Malden Islands of Kiribati, we are 14 mysterious stone fish traps located inland amid thick forest and shrubland. Why we were brought here remains an enigma. What are we?
Answer: Te abai ni kaimatoa
Conclusion
From sun-drenched atolls to swaying palm trees, the island nation of Kiribati offers many fascinating mysteries to explore. We hope you have enjoyed exercising your mind with these 35 riddles about the geography, culture, plants and wildlife that make the Republic of Kiribati unique. Looking for more brainteasers to keep your wits sharp? See if you can solve some more fiendish puzzles about this little-known South Pacific country. Iaon te mauri! (May you be well!)
