Gilbert and Ellice Islands

Gilbert and Ellice Islands
British colony
1892–1976
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem "God Save the Queen"
Location of Gilbert and Ellice Islands
Capital		Tarawa
Languages		English
Political structure		Colony
Monarch		George V (first) Elizabeth II (last)
High Commissioner		List of High Commissioners
History
•	Protectorate	1892
•	Colony	1916
•	Disestablished	1 January 1976
Currency		Pound sterling
Preceded by Succeeded by British Western Pacific Territories Kiribati Tuvalu Union Islands

Coordinates: 1°16′N 173°01′E / 1.26°N 173.02°E / 1.26; 173.02

The Gilbert and Ellice Islands were a British protectorate from 1892 and colony from 1916 until 1 January 1976, when the islands were divided into two colonies which became independent nations shortly after. A referendum was held in December 1974 to determine whether the Gilbert Islands and Ellice Islands should each have their own administration. As a consequence of the referendum, the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony ceased to exist on 1 January 1976 and the separate countries of Kiribati and Tuvalu came into existence.

The Gilbert Islands (formerly Kingsmill Islands) are a chain of sixteen atolls and coral islands in the western Pacific Ocean that are recognised as part of the Micronesia subregion of Oceania. The Gilbert Islands are the main part of what is now Republic of Kiribati ("Kiribati" is the Gilbertese rendition of "Gilberts") The atolls and islands of the Gilbert Islands are arranged in an approximate north-to-south line. In a geographical sense, the equator serves as the dividing line between the northern Gilbert Islands and the southern Gilbert Islands. The Ellice Islands are south of the Gilbert Islands. The Ellice Islands comprises three reef islands and six true atolls spread out between the latitude of 5° to 10° south and longitude of 176° to 180°, west of the International Date Line. The Ellice Islands are midway between Hawaii and Australia. The Ellice Islands are recognised as part of the Polynesia subregion of Oceania.