Timeline of Kiribati

Chronology

9 events spanning the history of Kiribati. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1820

   Named the Gilbert Islands, after British naval captain Thomas Gilbert.

   Named the Gilbert Islands, after British naval captain Thomas Gilbert who came across a number of the islands in 1788 when sailing from Australia to China.

2. 1837

   First Europeans settled.

   First Europeans settled.

3. 1892

   Britain declared protectorate over Gilbert Islands.

   Britain declared protectorate over Gilbert Islands.

4. 1916

   The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony is formed.

   The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony is formed. Over the next twenty years other island groups in the area, including the Line Islands and the Phoenix Islands, are added to the colony.

5. 1942 – 1943

   Japanese occupation.

   Japanese occupation.

6. 1957 – 1962

   The Britisdh conducted test explosions of Hydrogen Bombs in Kiribati waters.

   The Britisdh conducted test explosions of Hydrogen Bombs in Kiribati waters.

7. 1979

   The Gilbert Islands become an independent republic.

   The Gilbert Islands become an independent republic within the Commonwealth under the name of Kiribati. Ieremia Tabai becomes president.

8. 1982

   First elections since independence.

   First elections since independence.

9. 1999

   Admitted to the United Nations.

   Admitted to the United Nations.