LINE ISLANDS

chain of coral atolls in the central Pacific Ocean, some of which belong to the Republic of Kiribati and some of which are claimed as unincorporated territories belonging to the United States. The Line Islands extend 1,600 miles (2,600 km) northwestward from French Polynesia. They have a land area of 193 square miles (500 square km) and are divided into Northern, Central, and Southern groups. The Northern Line Islands politically comprise Teraina (Washington) Island and Tabuaeran (Fanning) and Kiritimati (Christmas) atolls, all parts of Kiribati from its independence (1979), and Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll, and Jarvis Island, all unincorporated territories of the United States. The Central and Southern Line Islands, comprising Malden and Starbuck islands (the Central group) and Vostok and Flint islands, with Caroline Atoll (the Southern group), are also original parts of Kiribati. There is no permanent habitation except on Kiritimati and Tabuaeran atolls and on Teraina Island. Pop. (1990) 4,782.