Tuvalu
Not been yet
At a glance
- Region
- Polynesia
- Capital
- Funafuti
- Population
- 9,646 (2024)
- Area
- 26 km²
- Languages
- English, Tuvaluan
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD), Tuvaluan dollar (TVD)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +688
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Before you go
Overview
Tuvalu, formerly Ellice Islands, country in the west-central Pacific Ocean. It is composed of nine small coral islands scattered in a chain lying approximately northwest to southeast over a distance of some 420 miles (676 km).
The de facto capital is the village of Vaiaku, where most government offices are located. It is on Fongafale islet, a constituent part of Funafuti Atoll.
Together with what is now Kiribati (formerly the Gilbert Islands), Tuvalu formed the British Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony before separately gaining its independence in 1978.
The group includes both atolls and reef islands. The atolls—Nanumea, Nui, Nukufetau, Funafuti, and Nukulaelae—have islets encircling a shallow lagoon; the reef islands—Nanumanga, Niutao, Vaitupu, and Niulakita—are compact with a fringing reef.
The islands are low-lying, most being 13 to 16 feet (4 to 5 metres) above sea level. There are no rivers; rain catchment and wells provide the only fresh water.
History
Tuvalu was part of the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands and became independent in 1978.
Food & culture
Pulaka (swamp taro), fish and coconut are staples.
Wildlife
The Funafuti Conservation Area protects coral reefs, turtles and seabirds.
Festivals & events
Independence Day on 1 October is the main celebration.
Things to see
The Funafuti lagoon and conservation area.
Interesting facts
Tuvalu earns significant income from its .tv internet domain. Its highest point is less than 5 metres above sea level.
Neighbours
Tuvalu has no land borders with other countries.
My Bucket List goals in Tuvalu
None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.