Oceania And Pacific Politics Questions
Kiribati, officially known as the Republic of Kiribati, is an island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean. Its political history can be traced back to its colonization by European powers in the 19th century.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kiribati was under British colonial rule. It was initially administered as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony, which also included what is now Tuvalu. The British established a colonial administration and introduced their legal and political systems to the islands.
In 1979, Kiribati gained independence from the United Kingdom and became a sovereign nation. It adopted a parliamentary system of government, with a President as the head of state and a unicameral legislature known as the House of Assembly. The country's first President was Sir Ieremia Tabai.
Since independence, Kiribati has faced various political challenges, including issues related to governance, economic development, and climate change. The country has a unique political structure, with its government divided into three main administrative units: the Gilbert Islands, the Line Islands, and the Phoenix Islands. Each unit has its own council and representative in the national government.
One significant political issue for Kiribati is its vulnerability to climate change and rising sea levels. As a low-lying island nation, Kiribati is at risk of being submerged due to global warming. This has led to discussions and initiatives related to climate change adaptation and the potential need for relocation of its population.
Overall, Kiribati's political history is characterized by its transition from British colonial rule to independence, the establishment of a parliamentary system, and ongoing challenges related to governance and climate change.