A part of the Republic of Kiribati, the Fanning Island is one of the many Coral Islands of the region. Located at the center of the Pacific Ocean, the Fanning Island epitomizes the description of a Pacific Ocean Islands. Palm trees, blue lagoons, white sand beaches, and friendly locals are what describes Fanning best. With nature at its best form Fanning Island is the home to a wide variety of sea birds, including terns, shearwaters, and skuas.
The Fanning Island is located 228 nautical miles north of the equator and 75 miles southeast of Washington Island. Often called the “Heavenly Footprint”, the Fanning Island is shaped like footprint and is 6 miles wide and 7 miles in diameter. Except the main passage at the English Harbor and two other small passages, the interior lagoon of the Fanning Island is completely circumscribed by atoll. This virgin island of Fanning has only about 2,000 residents and there is no electricity or indoor plumbing.
The climate of Fanning Island is completely regulated by its location. Due to close proximity to the equator the Fanning Island experiences real heat when the sun shines brightly and there is no cloud cover. The annual rate of rainfall is not consistent and it varies every year but usually the rainfall ranges between 80 and 100 inches with a maximum of 125 inches. Fanning Island also experiences occasional drier years.
The local population of Fanning Island, although very scarce, is very creative. Fanning Island is well known for its hand weaved baskets, shell jewelry, wood carvings, weaved grass skirts, small hand-carved boxes and collectibles, tee shirts and much more.