What Is the Only Country That Spans All Four Hemispheres?

The only country in the world that spans all four hemispheres—Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western—is Kiribati. This island nation, located in the central Pacific Ocean, comprises 33 atolls and reef islands, with its territory stretching across the equator and the International Date Line. Kiribati's unique geographical position means it experiences a vast array of climates and biodiversity within its islands, as well as a complex cultural tapestry formed by its diverse population, which includes various Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian influences. This location also plays a crucial role in its contemporary issues, particularly concerning climate change and rising sea levels, as many of its low-lying islands are at risk of submersion.