Gilbert Islands
Native name: Tungaru | |
|---|---|
Gilbert Islands Gilbert Islands | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 0°N 174°E / 0°N 174°E |
| Total islands | 16 |
| Major islands | Makin, Butaritari, Marakei, Abaiang, Tarawa, Maiana, Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, Nonouti, Tabiteuea, Beru, Nikunau, Onotoa, Tamana, Arorae |
| Area | 108 sq mi (280 km2) |
| Highest elevation | 18 ft (5.5 m) |
| Highest point | Banaba |
| Administration | |
| Capital and largest city | South Tarawa (pop. 63,439) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 83,382 (2005) |
The Gilbert Islands (Gilbertese: Tungaru; formerly Kingsmill or King's-Mill Islands) are a chain of sixteen atolls and coral islands in the Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Papua New Guinea and Hawaii. They constitute the main part of the country of Kiribati (the name of which is a rendering of "Gilberts" in the phonology of the indigenous Gilbertese).