Gilbert Islands

"Gilberts" redirects here. For other uses, see Gilberts (disambiguation).

Gilbert Islands

Native name: Tungaru
Location within Pacific Ocean Location within Kiribati
Geography
Location	Pacific Ocean
Coordinates	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
Kiribati
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). The Gilbert Islands comprise the eastern-most part of Micronesia.