Betio
Betio | |
|---|---|
Town | |
Location in South Tarawa | |
| Coordinates: 01°21′00″N 172°56′00″E / 1.35000°N 172.93333°E | |
| Country | Kiribati |
| Island group | Gilbert Islands |
| Atoll | Tarawa |
| Area | |
• Total | 1.54 km2 (0.59 sq mi) |
| Population (2015) | |
• Total | 17,356 |
| • Density | 11,000/km2 (29,000/sq mi) |
Betio is the name of both an island and a township within the Tarawa Atoll, part of the Republic of Kiribati. Betio is the largest township of Kiribati's capital city, South Tarawa, and it is also the country's primary port. Betio is located on at the far southwest corner of the atoll. The island is known for its historical significance during the Battle of Tarawa in World War 2.