Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Gilbert Islands shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Gilbert Islands offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Gilbert Islands at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Gilbert Islands? Wrong! If the Gilbert Islands is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Gilbert Islands then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Gilbert Islands? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Gilbert Islands and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Gilbert Islands wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Gilbert Islands then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Gilbert Islands site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Gilbert Islands, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Gilbert Islands, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

The Gilbert Islands are a chain of 16 atolls and coral islands in the Pacific Ocean, main part of the nation Kiribati ("Kiribati" is the rendition of "Gilberts" in the Gilbertese language).The atolls and islands are arranged in an approximate north-to-south line. In alphabetical order, they are:{| class="wikitable sortable"|-! Islands! Coordinates! Population*|-| Abaiang| 07| 3,404|-| [Aranuka| 16| 1,256|-| [Beru (Island)| 11| 2,169|-| Butaritari| 08| 1,082|-| [Maiana| 01| 2,385|-| [Marakei| 12| 1,912|-| [Nonouti| 14| 1,644|-| [Tabiteuea| 15| 875|-| [Tarawa Atoll| 05| 5,678 (N.), 40311 (S.)|-class="sortbottom"| Gilbert Islands|| 82,902|}* Source: Kiribati 2005 Census (provisional)

The Gilberts had been inhabited by Micronesians for several centuries before they were discovered by Europeans.

In 1788 Captain Thomas Gilbert (captain) in the Charlotte (ship) and Captain John Marshall (British captain) in the Scarborough (ship) crossed through Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, Tarawa Atoll, Abaiang, Butaritari, and Makin (without stopping). In the years that followed, many ships ran across the little islands and atolls of the Gilberts in the course of their travels in the central Pacific.

In 1820, the islands were named îles Gilbert (in French) by Adam Johann von Krusenstern, an Estonian admiral of the Czar after the British captain, Thomas Gilbert, together with the neighbouring îles Marshall. Two ships of the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842, USS Peacock (1828) and USS Flying Fish (1838), under the command of Captain Hudson, visited many of the Gilbert Islands (then Kingsmill Islands). While in the Gilberts, considerable time was devoted to mapping and charting reefs and anchorages — but a huge Maneaba of Tabiteuea was burnt and Gilbertese killed.

A British protectorate was first proclaimed over the Gilberts by Captain Davis of HMS Royalist (1883) on 27 May 1892. In 1915 the Gilbert and Ellice Islands were proclaimed a colony of the British Empire.

The natives of the Gilbert Islands are Micronesian, similar in many respects to the natives of the Marshall Islands, the Caroline Islands, and the Mariana Islands. At the time of the Japanese invasion in 1942, they were a self-governing people, with their tribal consciousness undisturbed by the British system of colony government and administration. Loyal to the British, the Gilbertese looked with dissatisfaction upon the prospects of coming under the rule of the Japanese. During their stay in the Gilberts, the Japanese did nothing to change the opinion of the Gilbertese on this score.

The principal industry found in the Gilberts was the production of phosphate from the deposits on Banaba Island and Fanning Island. In addition, Coconuts were cultivated on some of the islands. All labor was supervised by the British and every effort was made to see that the wages and living conditions were fair and adequate. Sanitary inspections by the British did much to improve the general living conditions on most of the islands.

Native diet prior to World War II consisted mainly of fish, coconuts, pandanus fruit, babai (swamp taro), chicken, and some pork. Housing for Europeans employed in the island was simple. Their houses were constructed of both European and native materials and were generally of the bungalow type. There was no tourism.

At the outbreak of the war, about 78% of the native population were said to be Christians. This group was divided mainly into two denominations: Congregational churchs (43%); and Roman Catholics (35%). The rest of the population were largely semi pagan agnostics; they did not adhere to the Christian faith, nor did they retain much of their beliefs in their own ancient gods.

Judged to be about 84% literate, the Gilbertese responded readily to the colony's educational efforts. All education in the islands came under the supervision of the Colonial Education Department whose aims were to educate native boys for employment in government and commercial work, and to standardize the level of education throughout the colony. The bulk of the education was provided by the missions, which maintained all the village schools and trained the native school teachers.

With the availability of European-style medical care life improved. The Phoenix Islands Settlement Scheme sought to provide an outlet through the development of three uninhabited atolls in the Phoenix Islands and was the last attempt at human colonization within the British Empire.

World War II When war came in December 1941, the Japanese occupied Makin Atoll immediately and raided Tarawa. In February 1942, the British evacuated most of their people from Tarawa, except for missionaries who elected to remain, and coast watchers.

On 17 August 1942, 221 United States Marine Corps of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion were landed on Makin from two submarines. The raid was intended by the Americans to confuse the Japanese about US intentions in the Pacific. However, it had the effect of alerting the Japanese to the strategic importance of the Gilbert Islands and led to their reinforcement and fortification.

Tarawa and Abemama were occupied in force by the Japanese in September 1942 and during the next year garrisons were built up on Betio (Tarawa Atoll), and Butaritari (Makin Atoll). Only nominal forces were placed on other islands in the Gilberts.

On 20 November 1943, the U.S. 2nd Marine Division invaded, in the battles Battle of Makin and bloody Battle of Tarawa. The Gilbert Islands were used to support the invasion of the Marshall Islands in February 1944.

1944 - The colony became autonomous in 1971. From 1976 to 1978, the Ellices were separated, and the Gilberts became the Gilbert Islands colony, which issued stamps under that name. In 1979, the Gilberts opted for independence, becoming the independent nation of Kiribati.

External links

• The Battle for Tarawa, Appendix G

The Gilbert Islands are a chain of 16 atolls and coral islands in the Pacific Ocean, main part of the nation Kiribati ("Kiribati" is the rendition of "Gilberts" in the Gilbertese language).The atolls and islands are arranged in an approximate north-to-south line. In alphabetical order, they are:{| class="wikitable sortable"|-! Islands! Coordinates! Population*|-| Abaiang| 07| 3,404|-| [Aranuka| 16| 1,256|-| [Beru (Island)| 11| 2,169|-| Butaritari| 08| 1,082|-| [Maiana| 01| 2,385|-| [Marakei| 12| 1,912|-| [Nonouti| 14| 1,644|-| [Tabiteuea| 15| 875|-| [Tarawa Atoll| 05| 5,678 (N.), 40311 (S.)|-class="sortbottom"| Gilbert Islands|| 82,902|}* Source: Kiribati 2005 Census (provisional)

The Gilberts had been inhabited by Micronesians for several centuries before they were discovered by Europeans.

In 1788 Captain Thomas Gilbert (captain) in the Charlotte (ship) and Captain John Marshall (British captain) in the Scarborough (ship) crossed through Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, Tarawa Atoll, Abaiang, Butaritari, and Makin (without stopping). In the years that followed, many ships ran across the little islands and atolls of the Gilberts in the course of their travels in the central Pacific.

In 1820, the islands were named îles Gilbert (in French) by Adam Johann von Krusenstern, an Estonian admiral of the Czar after the British captain, Thomas Gilbert, together with the neighbouring îles Marshall. Two ships of the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842, USS Peacock (1828) and USS Flying Fish (1838), under the command of Captain Hudson, visited many of the Gilbert Islands (then Kingsmill Islands). While in the Gilberts, considerable time was devoted to mapping and charting reefs and anchorages — but a huge Maneaba of Tabiteuea was burnt and Gilbertese killed.

A British protectorate was first proclaimed over the Gilberts by Captain Davis of HMS Royalist (1883) on 27 May 1892. In 1915 the Gilbert and Ellice Islands were proclaimed a colony of the British Empire.

The natives of the Gilbert Islands are Micronesian, similar in many respects to the natives of the Marshall Islands, the Caroline Islands, and the Mariana Islands. At the time of the Japanese invasion in 1942, they were a self-governing people, with their tribal consciousness undisturbed by the British system of colony government and administration. Loyal to the British, the Gilbertese looked with dissatisfaction upon the prospects of coming under the rule of the Japanese. During their stay in the Gilberts, the Japanese did nothing to change the opinion of the Gilbertese on this score.

The principal industry found in the Gilberts was the production of phosphate from the deposits on Banaba Island and Fanning Island. In addition, Coconuts were cultivated on some of the islands. All labor was supervised by the British and every effort was made to see that the wages and living conditions were fair and adequate. Sanitary inspections by the British did much to improve the general living conditions on most of the islands.

Native diet prior to World War II consisted mainly of fish, coconuts, pandanus fruit, babai (swamp taro), chicken, and some pork. Housing for Europeans employed in the island was simple. Their houses were constructed of both European and native materials and were generally of the bungalow type. There was no tourism.

At the outbreak of the war, about 78% of the native population were said to be Christians. This group was divided mainly into two denominations: Congregational churchs (43%); and Roman Catholics (35%). The rest of the population were largely semi pagan agnostics; they did not adhere to the Christian faith, nor did they retain much of their beliefs in their own ancient gods.

Judged to be about 84% literate, the Gilbertese responded readily to the colony's educational efforts. All education in the islands came under the supervision of the Colonial Education Department whose aims were to educate native boys for employment in government and commercial work, and to standardize the level of education throughout the colony. The bulk of the education was provided by the missions, which maintained all the village schools and trained the native school teachers.

With the availability of European-style medical care life improved. The Phoenix Islands Settlement Scheme sought to provide an outlet through the development of three uninhabited atolls in the Phoenix Islands and was the last attempt at human colonization within the British Empire.

World War II When war came in December 1941, the Japanese occupied Makin Atoll immediately and raided Tarawa. In February 1942, the British evacuated most of their people from Tarawa, except for missionaries who elected to remain, and coast watchers.

On 17 August 1942, 221 United States Marine Corps of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion were landed on Makin from two submarines. The raid was intended by the Americans to confuse the Japanese about US intentions in the Pacific. However, it had the effect of alerting the Japanese to the strategic importance of the Gilbert Islands and led to their reinforcement and fortification.

Tarawa and Abemama were occupied in force by the Japanese in September 1942 and during the next year garrisons were built up on Betio (Tarawa Atoll), and Butaritari (Makin Atoll). Only nominal forces were placed on other islands in the Gilberts.

On 20 November 1943, the U.S. 2nd Marine Division invaded, in the battles Battle of Makin and bloody Battle of Tarawa. The Gilbert Islands were used to support the invasion of the Marshall Islands in February 1944.

1944 - The colony became autonomous in 1971. From 1976 to 1978, the Ellices were separated, and the Gilberts became the Gilbert Islands colony, which issued stamps under that name. In 1979, the Gilberts opted for independence, becoming the independent nation of Kiribati.

External links

• The Battle for Tarawa, Appendix G