The population is primarily Micronesian, with a significant component of Polynesian origin. Kiribati gained full independence from the United Kingdom in 1979 and became a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. It has a nationally elected president and a legislative assembly with 39 members elected by universal suffrage and 2 members ex officio. The main security apparatus is a police force of about 250 personnel, responsible to and effectively controlled by civilian authority.
Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence agriculture and fishing.
The islands' isolation and meager resources, including poor soil and limited arable land, severely limit prospects for economic development. Kiribati society is egalitarian, democratic, and respectful of human rights. There were no reports of specific human rights abuses, but in the traditional culture women have occupied a subordinate role with limited job opportunities. There were no reports of political or other extrajudicial killings. There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances.