GILBERT ISLANDS, an extensive archipelago belonging to Great Britain in the mid-western Pacific ocean, lying north and south of the Equator. The principal islands are Butaritary, Makin, Tarawa, Abaiang, Marakei, Maiana, Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, Nonouti, Tabitever, Beru, Nukunau, Onotoa, Tamana and Arorae. Area, 166 sq. miles. Pop. The principal crops are pandanus fruit and coconuts. Phosphate, copra and shark fins are exported. The islands were proclaimed as protectorates in 1892. The Gilbert group, together with the Ellice islands, Fan ning island, Washington island, Ocean, Christmas and other islands were annexed as the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony in 1915. (See PACIFIC ISLANDS.)