No country controls Kiribati; it is an independent nation. Kiribati achieved full self-governance when it won independence from the United Kingdom in 1979.
Kiribati's Path to Independence
Before gaining its sovereignty, Kiribati was a British colony. The archipelago, previously known as the Gilbert Islands, transitioned from being a British protectorate (established in 1892) to a Crown Colony, and finally achieved full independence in 1979. This marked the end of colonial rule and the beginning of its journey as a sovereign state.
Key Facts About Kiribati
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Status | Independent Republic |
| Former Name | Gilbert Islands |
| Independence | 1979 |
| Former Colonial Power | United Kingdom |
| Geography | Comprises 33 atolls, spread across a vast area in the equatorial Pacific, extending nearly 4,000km from east to west and more than 2,000km from north to south. |
| Pronunciation | Kiribass |
Geographic Overview of Kiribati
Kiribati is a unique island nation due to its vast geographical spread. It consists of 33 coral atolls and reef islands, only 21 of which are inhabited. These islands are scattered across an immense expanse of the equatorial Pacific Ocean, covering an area of nearly 4,000 kilometers from east to west and over 2,000 kilometers from north to south. This wide dispersion contributes to its challenges and unique characteristics as a sovereign state.
