Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a Polynesian island country located in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia. It comprises three reef islands and six atolls, with a total land area of about 26 square kilometers (10 square miles). The capital of Tuvalu is Funafuti.

History

The islands of Tuvalu were first settled by Polynesians approximately 3,000 years ago. The first European to sight the islands was the Spanish navigator [[�lvaro de Menda�a]] in 1568. In the late 19th century, the islands became a British protectorate as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony. Tuvalu gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978.

Geography

Tuvalu is located in the west-central Pacific Ocean, south of the equator. The country consists of nine islands, which are low-lying with the highest elevation being about 4.6 meters (15 feet) above sea level. The islands are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly rising sea levels.

Government and Politics

Tuvalu is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy with Charles III as the head of state, represented by a Governor-General. The Prime Minister is the head of government. The legislative body is the unicameral Parliament of Tuvalu.

Economy

The economy of Tuvalu is small and underdeveloped, with limited natural resources. The main sources of revenue are from the sale of fishing licenses, remittances from overseas workers, and the lease of the .tv internet domain. Agriculture is primarily subsistence-based, with coconuts and fish being the main products.

Demographics

The population of Tuvalu is approximately 11,000 people, with the majority being of Polynesian descent. The official languages are Tuvaluan and English. The predominant religion is Christianity, with the Church of Tuvalu being the largest denomination.

Culture

Tuvaluan culture is rich in traditional music, dance, and crafts. The fatele is a popular dance performed at community events. Traditional skills such as canoe building and mat weaving are still practiced.

Related pages

• Funafuti
• Gilbert and Ellice Islands
• Climate change in Tuvalu

Gallery

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  National anthem of Tuvalu

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  Traditional Tuvaluan costume

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  Location map of Tuvalu

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  Historical map of Nukufetau

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  Ellice Islands in 1900

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  Stamps from the Gilbert and Ellice Islands

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  CIA World Factbook map of Tuvalu

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  Beach on Funafuti atoll

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  Another view of Funafuti beach

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  Tuvalu Meteorology Service

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  Ocean side of Funafuti

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  Government office building in Tuvalu

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  Map of Tuvalu

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  Population distribution by age group

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  Fetu Ao Lima Church

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  Children of Niutao Island

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  Interior of a maneapa in Funafuti

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  Tuvaluan dancer at the Pasifika festival

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  Canoe carving on Nanumea

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  Tuvalu national football team

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  National Bank of Tuvalu

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  View from a hotel room in Tuvalu

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  Manu Folau off Vaitupu Harbour