Tuvalu, the world’s second-smallest country and, according to the United Nations, one of the least developed, fulfils the classic image of a South Sea paradise. Formerly called the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu consists of 5 low-lying coral atolls, 4 islands, and more than 100 islets, all spread over a very large area. These isolated spots of land, the above water tips of undersea mountains, are famed for their beautiful lagoons, reefs, fabulous fishing, and collectible postage stamps. The land now called Tuvalu was first settled by the Polynesians some 2,000 ago. Arrivals included those from Samoa, Tonga and Kiribati.
The Spanish explorer Mendana reportedly sighted the islands in 1568. The first Europeans arrived in the early 19th century, and the islands changed forever. In fact, some islanders were subsequently enslaved and forced to work. In 1892 the British convinced the islanders to join the Gilbert Islands protectorate; later to be called the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony.
Almost fifty years later, during World War II, the U.S. used the islands as a military base to combat Japanese invasions in the Pacific. In the mid 1970s the islands seceded from the Gilbert Ellise Colony, officially changing their collective name to Tuvalu, and became an independent nation. Its government remains a part of the British Commonwealth as a parliamentary democracy.
The economy of Tuvalu is agricultural based, and though an ideal venue for tourism, the islands are yet to fully develop that industry. The only airport is located on the Funafuti Atoll, and transportation between islands is by boat.
Most activity is centered in the capital, Funafuti, where the greatest attraction is the enormous Funafuti Lagoon. The lagoon is 14km (9 miles) wide and about 18km (11 miles) long and is excellent for swimming and snorkelling. The second most populated island in the atoll is Funafala, which can be visited by hopping aboard the Funafuti Island Council’s catamaran. There are no shops whatsoever in Funafala, so visitors should take their own provisions.

Key Facts

Official name: Tuvalu

Location: West Pacific

Time: GMT + 12

Area: 26 sq km (10 sq miles).

Population: 11,992 (official estimate 2007)

Population Density: 461.2 per sq km

Geography: Tuvalu (formerly the Ellice Islands) is a scattered group of nine small atolls in the western Pacific Ocean extending about 560km (350 miles) from north to south. Nearest neighbours are Fiji (to the south), Kiribati (north) and the Solomon Islands (west). The main island, Funafuti, is also the capital and lies 1,920km (1,200 miles) north of Suva, Fiji.

Latitude/Longitude: 8º 52S, 179º 19E

Highest Point: 16 ft. (5 m) unnamed

Climate: The climate is humid and hot with a mean annual temperature of 30°C (86°F) and comparatively little seasonal variation. March to October tends to be cooler and more pleasant, whilst some discomfort may be experienced during the wet season from November to February.

Capital: Funafuti Atoll (4,492)
Note: The largest island within the Funafuti Atoll is Fongafale, and it is occassionaly referred to as the capital as government administration buildings are located there.

Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1978

Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Filoimea Telito

Head of Government: Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia since 2006

Recent History: Following the resignation of Saufatu Sopoanga, Maatia Toafa won a parliamentary vote in 2004 by eight votes to seven. Apisai Ielemia took office in August 2006 after nearly all the ministers in the previous government were ousted at the ballot box. On taking office, he promised to improve media freedom and accused the previous government of restraining the press. There are no political parties in Tuvalu.

Language: Tuvaluan and English are the main languages

Religion: Approximately 98% Protestant

Social Conventions: Traditional values continue to dominate Tuvaluan culture. Footwear should be removed when entering a church, a village meeting house (manepa) or private house. Religion plays an important part in daily life. Sunday is a day of rest and church-going for the locals, when visitors are advised to choose activities which do not cause too much disruption. There are limits imposed on the consumption of alcohol outside licensed premises. Whilst dress is usually casual, it is customary for women to keep their thighs covered and beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. There are procedures which should be followed by those invited to a feast and visitors should take local advice about this and other matters. It is customary not to speak a foreign language in the presence of a person who does not know it, so apparent indications of a desire to hold a private or confidential conversation should be interpreted as simple courtesy to fellow islanders. Visitors are welcome to join in the numerous local festivals and celebrations with feasting and traditional entertainment.

Communications: Tuvalu has no mobile network

Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 60Hz (Funafuti only)