Tuvalu is a small island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, located roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia. It is known for being one of the world's smallest and most remote countries, made up of nine low-lying coral atolls and reef islands. Tuvalu is particularly noted for its vulnerability to rising sea levels, which pose a serious long-term threat to its existence.
- Capital
- Funafuti
- Continent
- Oceania
- Region
- Polynesia
- Area
- 26 km²
- Coordinates
- 8° S, 178° E
Country facts
- Tuvalu gained independence from British rule in 1978, having previously been administered as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony.
- The country earns significant income by leasing its internet country code domain '.tv' to broadcasters and streaming companies around the world.
- Tuvaluan and English are both official languages, with Tuvaluan belonging to the Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family.
- The nation's land area totals only about 26 square kilometres, making it one of the smallest countries on Earth by land size.
- Traditional Tuvaluan culture includes the fatele, a communal dance performed at celebrations that expresses stories through coordinated movement and song.
Capital facts
- Funafuti is built on a narrow coral atoll that encloses one of the largest lagoons in the Pacific Ocean.
- During World War II, the United States built an airstrip on Funafuti, and the island served as an important Allied base in the Pacific campaign.
- The Funafuti Conservation Area, established in 1999, protects a large section of the atoll's lagoon, reef, and islets, supporting rich marine biodiversity.
- Funafuti is home to the Falekaupule, the traditional meeting hall that serves as the centre of community gatherings and local governance.
- The atoll's main islet, Fongafale, is where most of Tuvalu's population lives and where key government buildings are concentrated.