Gilbert Islands
The Gilbert Islands are a chain of 16 atolls and coral islands in the Pacific Ocean, part of the nation Kiribati.The Gilberts had been inhabited by Melanesians for several centuries when they were first discovered by Europeans . The Gilberts part of the British protectorate of Gilbert and Ellice Islands in 1892, which in turn became a British colony in 1916. The colony became autonomous in 1971.
From 1976 to 1978, the Ellices were separated, and the Gilberts became the Gilbert Islands colony, which issued stamps under that name. In 1979, the Gilberts opted for independence, becoming the independent nation of Kiribati.
The atolls and islands are arranged in an approximate north-to-south line. In alphabetical order, they are:
- Abaiang
- Abemama
- Aranuka
- Arorae
- Beru
- Butaritari (formerly Makin)
- Kuria
- Maiana
- Makin (formerly Little Makin)
- Marakei
- Nikunau
- Nonouti
- Onotoa
- Tabiteuea
- Tamana
- Tarawa