The Gilbert Islands (Gilbertese: Tungaru;[1] formerly Kingsmill Islands[2]) are a chain of sixteen atolls and coral islands in the Pacific Ocean. They are the main part of Republic of Kiribati ("Kiribati" is the Gilbertese rendition of "Gilberts" [1]) and include Tarawa, the site of the country's capital and residence of almost half of the population.[citation needed]