Gilbert Islands, Coral island group in Pacific Ocean, Kiribati.
The Gilbert Islands are a group of atolls and coral islands stretching roughly 640 kilometers across the Pacific Ocean. They lie between Papua New Guinea and Hawaii and consist of sixteen separate landmasses.
The islands came under British protection in 1892, which shaped their administration. The region developed under this influence until Kiribati gained independence in 1979.
The people here speak Gilbertese and English and maintain craft traditions like canoe building. Dance and celebration are woven into the rhythm of community life.
The northern region receives about 3000 millimeters of rain yearly, allowing cultivation of bananas and taro. The southern area is drier and requires different farming approaches.
South Tarawa splits its government functions across three separate islets: Bairiki for executive duties, Ambo for legislative work, and Betio for judicial matters. This unusual arrangement is uncommon among island nations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
