Tuvalu – A Profile
General Overview
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Official Name: Tuvalu
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Location: Polynesia, in the central Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia
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Area: ~26 square kilometers (10 square miles)
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Population: ~11,000
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Capital: Funafuti (also the main atoll and administrative center)
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Official Languages: Tuvaluan and English
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Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
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Government: Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy (King Charles III is the monarch)
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Time Zone: UTC +12
Geography
- Tuvalu is composed of 9 low-lying coral atolls and reef islands.
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Funafuti is the most populous atoll and hosts most government buildings and services.
- The highest point is only about 4.5 meters (15 feet) above sea level, making the country extremely vulnerable to climate change and sea level rise.
People & Culture
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Ethnicity: Almost entirely Polynesian
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Religion: Predominantly Christian (Church of Tuvalu)
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Culture: Rich in oral traditions, song, and dance.
- Extended family and community ties are strong, with communal living and mutual support being cultural norms.
History
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Pre-colonial: Inhabited by Polynesians for over 1,000 years.
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European Contact: First sighted by Europeans in the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Became part of the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands in the 19th century.
- In 1975, Tuvalu separated from the Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati).
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Independence: Achieved full independence within the Commonwealth on October 1, 1978.
Economy
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GDP: Extremely small; Tuvalu is one of the world's least developed economies.
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Key Sectors:
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Fishing (tuna licenses bring in revenue)
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Remittances (mainly from Tuvaluans working abroad, especially in shipping)
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Foreign aid (especially from Australia, New Zealand, and the EU)
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DotTV domain leasing: The country earns millions from leasing its .tv internet domain, popular with streaming platforms.
- Agriculture is minimal due to poor soil; copra (dried coconut) is a main export.
Politics
- Parliamentary system with a unicameral legislature (House of Assembly)
- The Prime Minister is elected by members of parliament.
- Tuvalu is part of the Commonwealth of Nations, and King Charles III is the head of state, represented by a Governor-General.
Infrastructure
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Transportation: Only one international airport (Funafuti International), few paved roads.
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Communication: Internet is limited but improving.
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Electricity: Primarily diesel-generated, though there are efforts to increase solar power capacity.
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Water Supply: Rainwater collection is essential; fresh water is scarce.
Climate Change and Rising Seas
- Tuvalu is often cited as a symbol of the climate crisis.
- The government has been vocal at international forums (like the UN) urging for stronger action on global warming.
- There have been discussions about relocating the entire population in the worst-case scenario of submersion.
International Relations
- Member of the United Nations since 2000.
- Also a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, Commonwealth, and other regional bodies.
- Has close ties with Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan (Tuvalu is one of the few countries to officially recognize Taiwan instead of China).
Fun Facts
- One of the least-visited countries in the world—due to its remoteness and limited transport.
- Its .tv domain generates significantly more income than tourism or agriculture.
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Traditional dance (fatele) is a central part of community celebrations.
