Why were the Gilbert Islands and Ellice Islands separated in the 1970s?

The separation of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands in the 1970s was primarily driven by the emergence of ethnic tensions and the desire for self-determination among the distinct populations within the British colony.12

The territory was home to two different groups: the Gilbert Islands, which were dominated by Micronesians, and the Ellice Islands (now Tuvalu), which were dominated by Polynesians. These groups preferred to govern themselves as separate states rather than remaining a single entity. Following these developments and a referendum held in anticipation of independence from Britain, the two territories were formally separated between 1975 and 1976.231

The Gilbert Islands subsequently achieved independence as the Republic of Kiribati in 1979.41