Kiribati is an archipelago of 33 islands in the central Pacific, with a population of just one hundred thousand people across more than a million square miles of Ocean. Formerly the Gilbert Islands, Kiribati gained independence from the UK in 1979, and has participated in the Commonwealth Games since 1998. Weightlifter David Katoata became the first person from the country to formally qualify for the Olympics, and came 17th in London two years ago. His favourite Kiribati group is called Ruff Dogs with their song Salute.