Tuvalu Country Facts
Tuvalu is a small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, located about midway between Hawaii and Australia. It is composed of nine coral atolls scattered across the western Pacific Ocean, covering a total land area of just 26 square kilometers. Tuvalu is one of the world’s smallest and most remote countries.
Geography
Climate
Tuvalu has a tropical maritime climate with high humidity and temperatures that remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The islands experience a wet season from November to April, characterized by heavy rainfall and occasional tropical cyclones. The dry season lasts from May to October.
Fauna
The fauna of Tuvalu is limited due to its small size and isolation. However, the surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, including colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Bird species such as frigatebirds, terns, and boobies are common on the islands.
Longest Rivers
Due to its small size and low elevation, Tuvalu does not have any rivers of significant length.
Highest Mountains
Similarly, Tuvalu’s highest point is just a few meters above sea level, as the islands are coral atolls with no significant elevation.
History
Prehistory
The history of human settlement in Tuvalu dates back over 3,000 years, with evidence of Polynesian settlers arriving around 3000 years ago. These early settlers were skilled navigators and fishermen who established communities on the islands.
Colonial Period
Tuvalu was first sighted by Europeans in the 16th century but remained largely uninhabited by outsiders until the 19th century. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands came under the influence of European powers, with the British establishing control over what was then known as the Ellice Islands. Tuvalu gained independence from Britain in 1978 and became a sovereign nation.
Modern Age
Since gaining independence, Tuvalu has faced numerous challenges, including rising sea levels due to climate change, which threaten the very existence of the islands. The government has worked to raise awareness of the plight of Tuvalu and advocate for international action on climate change.
Demographics
Tuvalu has a population of approximately 11,500 people, making it one of the smallest countries in the world by population. The majority of the population is of Polynesian descent, with Tuvaluan and English being the official languages. The population is primarily Christian, with the majority belonging to the Church of Tuvalu, a Protestant denomination.
Administrative Divisions
Tuvalu is divided into eight island groups, each consisting of several atolls and islands. The administrative divisions and their populations are as follows:
- Funafuti – Population: 6,000
- Nanumea – Population: 600
- Nanumanga – Population: 600
- Niutao – Population: 600
- Nui – Population: 600
- Nukufetau – Population: 600
- Nukulaelae – Population: 400
- Vaitupu – Population: 1,000
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Funafuti
- Fongafale
- Vaiaku
- Teone
- Alapi
- Senala
- Tepuka
- Amatuku
- Savave
- Savave Village
Education Systems
Education in Tuvalu is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14. The country has a small education system, with primary and secondary schools on each of the main islands. There are no universities in Tuvalu, so students wishing to pursue higher education typically study abroad.
Transportation
Airports
Tuvalu has one international airport, Funafuti International Airport, located on the main island of Funafuti. The airport serves as the primary gateway to the country and handles both domestic and international flights.
Ports
The main port in Tuvalu is located in Funafuti and serves as the primary hub for maritime transportation between the islands. The port facilitates the import and export of goods and supplies to support the local economy.
Country Facts
- Population: 11,500
- Capital: Funafuti
- Languages: Tuvaluan, English
- Religion: Christianity (predominantly Protestant)
- Currency: Tuvaluan Dollar (TVD)
- ISO Country Codes: TV, TUV
- International Calling Code: +688
- Top-Level Domain: .tv
