Kiribati

Kiribati is atolls spread over thousands of kilometres of equator: Tarawa as the centre and the distant Line Islands in another time zone. Prices are high because everything is shipped in, shop stock is limited, and fresh water and electricity are a constant concern. It is hot and humid all year, rainfall varies sharply between islands, and cyclones rarely reach this far. Work is mostly public sector and fishing, healthcare is basic, and flights between atolls are rare and weather-dependent.