I Kiribati

Political Status: Formerly the Gilbert Islands; became a British protectorate in 1892; annexed as the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony in 1915, the Ellice Islands becoming independent as the state of Tuvalu in 1978; present name adopted upon becoming an independent member of the Commonwealth on July 12, 1979.[Page 780]

Area: 313 sq. mi. (811 sq. km.).

Population: 92,533 (2005C); 99,000 (2008E); neither figure includes upward of 2,500 Kiribati nationals living abroad.

Major Urban Center (2005E): BAIRIKI (South Tarawa, 48,000).

Official Language: I-Kiribati (Gilbertese); English is also widely spoken.

Monetary Unit: Australian Dollar (market rate December 1, 2009: 1.08 dollars = $1US). The British Pound is also in circulation.

President (Beretitenti): Anote TONG (Boutokaan te Koaua); popularly elected on July 5, 2003, succeeding Teburoro TITO (Maneaban te Mauri), ...