"Gilbert and Ellice Islands"@en . . . "1976-01-01Z"^^ . "1976Z"^^ . "1892Z"^^ . . . "The Gilbert and Ellice Islands were a British protectorate from 1892 and colony from 1916 until 1 January 1976, when the islands were divided into two colonies which became independent nations shortly after. A referendum was held in December 1974 to determine whether the Gilbert Islands and Ellice Islands should each have their own administration."@en .