Statistical Summary

(Info gathered from CIA World Factbook)

Background:

The Gilbert Islands became a British protectorate in 1892 and a colony in 1915; they were captured by the Japanese in the Pacific War in 1941. The islands of Makin and Tarawa were the sites of major US amphibious victories over entrenched Japanese garrisons in 1943. The Gilbert Islands were granted self-rule by the UK in 1971 and complete independence in 1979 under the new name of Kiribati. The US relinquished all claims to the sparsely inhabited Phoenix and Line Island groups in a 1979 treaty of friendship with Kiribati.

Political Leaders:

President Anote TONG (since 10 July 2003)
Vice President Teima ONORIO
-the president is both the chief of state and head of government-

Population:

99,482 (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 194

Ethnic Groups:

Micronesian 98.8%
other 1.2% (2000 census)

GDP Per capita:

$6,200 (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 137
$6,200 (2009 est.)
$6,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars

Labor Force:

7,870 economically active, not including subsistence farmers (2001 est.)
country comparison to the world: 216

Labor Force by Occupation:

agriculture: 2.7%
industry: 32%
services: 65.3% (2000) 

Exports:

copra 62%
coconuts
seaweed
fish