Kiribati Buariki History: Exploring the Ancient Past of a Pacific Island Nation
Kiribati is a small island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean. It consists of 33 atolls and islands, many of which are uninhabited, and is the easternmost country in the world. The nation has a long and fascinating history, with the first inhabitants believed to have arrived over 3,000 years ago. This article will explore the history of Kiribati, focusing on the ancient past of the nation and the peoples who have called it home over the centuries.
The earliest known inhabitants of Kiribati were the Micronesians, who arrived around 3,000 years ago. They were a seafaring people who traveled the Pacific by canoe, and they established settlements on the islands. The first known contact with Europeans occurred in 1568, when Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendaña de Neira arrived on the island of Buariki. He named the island “La Encarnación” and claimed it for Spain, but it was not colonized until 1793, when the British established a settlement.
In 1820, the British annexed the Gilbert Islands, which included Kiribati, and the islands were administered as part of the British protectorate of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands until 1976. During this time, the islands were heavily impacted by European colonization, with the introduction of foreign diseases, the exploitation of resources, and the suppression of native culture and traditions.
In the late 19th century, the population of Kiribati was decimated by disease, with an estimated 80% of the population dying from influenza and other illnesses. This led to a period of decline for the islands, and in the early 20th century, the population began to recover. In the 1950s, the British began to allow more autonomy for the islands, and in 1979, the nation of Kiribati was formed.
Today, Kiribati is an independent nation with a population of over 100,000 people. The economy is largely based on fishing and subsistence agriculture, but the nation is also a major player in the international tourism industry. The nation is also home to a vibrant culture, with traditional music, dance, and art forms still practiced by many of the islanders.
Kiribati is a nation with a long and fascinating history, and it is a testament to the resilience of the people who have called it home for centuries. From its earliest inhabitants to its modern-day citizens, the nation has seen many changes over the centuries, but it has remained a vibrant and unique part of the Pacific.