Tarawa Atoll is a group of islands that surround a beautiful lagoon of 500 square kilometers. Half of the country's population lives on Tarawa Atoll, specifically South Tarawa. The northern part is much less populated and more like other islands from the Gilbert Islands group. In WWII, a great naval battle took place here between Japan and the USA, as evidenced by the monument in Betio and the sunken ships. Visitors come to Tarawa to dive, fish and enjoy beaches.