Politics of Kiribati takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Kiribati is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the House of Assembly.
Kiribati's population was 103,058 in 2010. The vast majority (>90%) of people inhabit the Gilbert Islands, with more than 33% populating an area of about 16 km2 (6.2 sq mi) on South Tarawa. Until recently, the people of Kiribati mostly lived in villages with populations between 50 and 3,000 on the outer islands.
The currency used is Australian dollars, available in A$ 100,50,20,10,and 5. Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted which makes it easier to conduct financial transactions, though this may not be the case in outlying islands. The cost of a holiday/visit to Kiribati is higher than most other Pacific countries because nothing is produced on the islands so the cost of food and other items is more.