Gilbert Islands

Gilbert Islands
Pitichinaccio · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Gilbert Islands
Location	Pacific Ocean
Archipelago	Line Islands
Total islands	16
Major islands	Tarawa, Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Beru, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa, Tabiteuea, Tamana, Tranquility Island
Area	281.1
Population	83,382
Country	Kiribati

Gilbert Islands. The Gilbert Islands are a chain of atolls located in the Pacific Ocean, part of the country of Kiribati, which also includes the Line Islands and the Phoenix Islands. The islands are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including coconut trees, pandanus, and tropical fish, and are surrounded by a rich marine ecosystem, with coral reefs and sea turtles. The capital of Kiribati, Tarawa, is located on the Gilbert Islands and is home to many important institutions, including the University of the South Pacific and the Kiribati National Library.

Geography

The Gilbert Islands are a chain of 16 atolls and coral reefs, stretching for over 400 miles, with a total land area of approximately 281 square kilometers. The islands are located near the Equator and are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, with the Marshall Islands to the north and the Tuvalu to the south. The Gilbert Islands are volcanic in origin, with basalt and limestone rocks making up the majority of the islands' geology, and are home to a number of important geological formations, including the Tarawa Lagoon and the Abaiang Atoll. The islands are also home to a number of rivers, including the Tanaea River and the Buariki River, which flow into the Pacific Ocean and support a rich array of marine life, including fish, coral, and seaweed.

History

The Gilbert Islands have a rich and complex history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to around 1000 AD, when the islands were first settled by Micronesian peoples, including the I-Kiribati and the Gilbertese. The islands were later visited by European explorers, including Thomas Gilbert and John Marshall, who arrived in the 18th century and established trade relationships with the local population, including the British Empire and the German Empire. The Gilbert Islands were also an important location during World War II, with the Battle of Tarawa taking place in 1943, involving the United States Marine Corps and the Imperial Japanese Army, and the Battle of Makin, which involved the United States Army and the United States Navy. The islands were also home to a number of important historical figures, including Banaba Island's Tekeeua Tarati, who played a key role in the Banaban people's struggle for independence.

Demographics

The Gilbert Islands have a population of around 83,000 people, with the majority living on the Tarawa atoll, which is home to the capital of Kiribati and a number of important institutions, including the Kiribati National Assembly and the High Court of Kiribati. The population is predominantly I-Kiribati, with smaller communities of Tuvaluan and i-Kiribati people, and is spread across the 16 atolls that make up the Gilbert Islands, with the largest populations found on Tarawa, Abaiang, and Maiana. The population is also characterized by a high level of youth, with over 50% of the population under the age of 25, and a growing middle class, with increasing access to education and healthcare services, including the Tungaru Central Hospital and the Nawerewere Hospital.

Culture

The Gilbert Islands have a rich and vibrant culture, with a strong emphasis on traditional practices and customs, including the Kiribati dance and the Gilbertese language. The islands are home to a number of important cultural festivals, including the Kiribati Independence Day celebrations, which take place on July 12th, and the Te Maevea Nui, a traditional Kiribati festival that celebrates the harvest season. The islands are also home to a number of important cultural institutions, including the Kiribati National Museum and the Kiribati Cultural Centre, which showcase the history and culture of the Gilbert Islands and the Kiribati people. The Gilbert Islands are also known for their traditional music and dance, including the Kiribati string band and the Gilbertese drumming.

Economy

The Gilbert Islands have a developing economy, with a strong emphasis on fishing and agriculture, including the copra and coconut oil industries, which are supported by the Kiribati Fishermen's Association and the Kiribati Coconut Board. The islands are also home to a number of important economic institutions, including the National Bank of Kiribati and the Kiribati Chamber of Commerce, which support the growth of the private sector and the development of the tourism industry. The Gilbert Islands are also rich in natural resources, including phosphate and fish, which are managed by the Kiribati Phosphate Commission and the Kiribati Fisheries Division. The islands are also a member of a number of important regional organizations, including the Pacific Islands Forum and the Pacific Community, which support the development of the Pacific region and the small island developing states.