Tuvalu Island

Tuvalu Latest News

As the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu battles rising sea levels that threaten to put large parts of the island entirely underwater by the end of this century, its citizens are making efforts to safeguard their future while preparing for the worst impacts of climate change.

About Tuvalu

• Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a Polynesian island country in the west-central Pacific Ocean. 
• It is the 4th smallest country in the world with 26 sq.km. of land.
• It sits about halfway between Australia and Hawaii. 
• Its neighbours include Kiribati, to the north, and Fiji, to the south. 
• It comprises nine islands (four reef islands and five coral atolls). 
• All islands are low-lying, with no point on Tuvalu being higher than 4.5 m above sea level. Thus, the islands are threatened by any future sea level rise.
• Nanumanga, Niutao, and Niulakita are the three main islands that make up Tuvalu. 
• The Funafuti atoll is the capital of Tuvalu and is also the most populous among all the 9 atolls.
• There are no rivers. Tuvalu’s climate is hot and rainy.
• With the exception of tiny Vatican City, Tuvalu has the fewest inhabitants of any other independent nation.
• Languages: Most people speak a language called Tuvaluan. English is widely used.
• Currency: Tuvalu dollar (equivalent to the Australian dollar)
• Political System:
  • Tuvalu became independent from the United Kingdom in October 1978. 
  • It operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy.
  • It is part of the Commonwealth Realm, with King Charles III recognized as King of Tuvalu. He is represented by a Governor-General, who is appointed upon the advice of the Prime Minister.
  • There are no political parties: the prime minister is chosen by and from the legislature.
• Economy:
  • Most people are subsistence farmers and are aided by remittances from relatives working overseas.
  • A small quantity of copra is produced for export, the sale of stamps accounts for modest earnings, and fees are collected from foreign fishing fleets, but the country depends heavily on foreign aid.
  • It imports most of its food, fuel, and manufactured goods.

Source: UN

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