The I-Kiribati people settled what would become known as the Gilbert Islands between 1000 and 1300 AD. consequent invasions by Fijians and Tongans introduced Micronesian and Polynesian elements to the Micronesian culture, but considerable intermarriage has produced a population reasonably homogeneous in appearance and traditions.

Post-freedom politics were initially controlled by Ieremia Tabai, Kiribati's first president, who served from 1979 to 1991, stepping down due to Kiribati's three-term limit for presidents. Teburoro Tito's tenure as president, 1994-2003, also was curtailed by the three-term limit, though in his case his third term lasted only a matter of months before he lost a no confidence motion in Parliament. In July 20003, Anote Tong defeated his elder brother, Harry Tong, who was backed by former-President Tito and his allies. An ensuing court challenge which alleged violations of campaign finance laws could have unseated President Tong. in October 2003, a judge specially brought in from Australia to ensure strict neutrality, governed in President Tong's favor.