gilbert and ellice islands
Học thuậtThân thiện
A map shows the location of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Definition
Proper noun: A former British colony and protectorate in the central Pacific Ocean (Micronesia), comprising the Gilbert Islands, the Ellice Islands, and several other island groups. It existed as a single administrative entity from 1916 until 1976, when it was divided into two separate colonies which later became the independent nations of Kiribati (Gilbert Islands) and Tuvalu (Ellice Islands).
Usage Examples
- Proper noun:
- The Gilbert and Ellice Islands were administered as a single British colony for much of the 20th century.
- Many historical records from the Pacific are found under the heading "Gilbert and Ellice Islands".
Advanced Usage
- Historical and Geographical Context: The term is primarily used in historical, geographical, and archival contexts to refer to the period of British administration.
- The stamps of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands are collected by philatelists.
Variants and Related Words
- Gilbert Islands: The eastern chain of islands within the former colony, now part of Kiribati.
- Ellice Islands: The southern chain of islands within the former colony, now the nation of Tuvalu.
- Kiribati: The modern independent nation encompassing the Gilbert Islands.
- Tuvalu: The modern independent nation encompassing the Ellice Islands.
Synonyms
- Former British possession in Micronesia (descriptive synonym).
- G&E (historical abbreviation).
Related Phrases
- Colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands: The full official name during the colonial period.
- Gilbert and Ellice Islands Order: Refers to historical legislative instruments governing the territory.
A map shows the location of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Noun
- a former British possession in Micronesia