Where is Tuvalu located?

What countries border Tuvalu?

Tuvalu Weather

What is the current weather in Tuvalu?

Tuvalu Facts and Culture

What is Tuvalu famous for?

Cultural Attributes: Despite its small size, Tuvalu has a rich and unique culture that is shaped by its remote location and historical... More
Family: Tuvaluan society is organized around the extended family, with the senior male of each family holding a position of respect... More
Personal Apperance: The traditional dress of Tuvalu is a skirt-like garment called a teuga, which is worn by both men and women.... More
Recreation: Fishing: Fishing is a popular pastime in Tuvalu, and many people fish for food as well as for sport. Some... More
Diet: The Tuvaluan diet is based mainly on seafood, coconut, and breadfruit, with dishes such as pulaka (a type of root... More
Dating: Dating practices in Tuvalu can vary depending on factors such as age, religion, and cultural background. However, in general, dating... More

Tuvalu Facts

What is the capital of Tuvalu?

Capital	Funafuti; note - the capital is an atoll of some 29 islets; administrative offices are in Vaiaku Village on Fongafale Islet
Government Type	parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Currency	Austrlian Dollar (AUD)
Total Area	10 Square Miles 26 Square Kilometers
Location	Oceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia
Language	Tuvaluan, English, Samoan, Kiribati (on the island of Nui)
GDP - real growth rate	3.5%
GDP - per capita (PPP)	$3,400.00 (USD)

Tuvalu Demographics

What is the population of Tuvalu?

Ethnic Groups	Polynesian 96%, Micronesian 4%
Nationality Noun	Tuvaluan(s)
Population	11,342
Population Growth Rate	0.77%
Population in Major Urban Areas	FUNAFUTI (capital) 5,000
Urban Population	50.000000

Tuvalu Government

What type of government does Tuvalu have?

Executive Branch	chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Tofiga Vaevalu FALANI (since 29 August 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Feleti Penitala TEO (since 27 February 2024) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on recommendation of the prime minister; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from members of House of Assembly following parliamentary elections election results: 2019: Kausea NATANO elected prime minister by House of Assembly; House of Assembly vote - 10 to 6
Suffrage	18 years of age; universal
Citizenship	citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent: yes; for a child born abroad, at least one parent must be a citizen of Tuvalu dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: na
National Holiday	Independence Day, 1 October (1978)
Constitution	history: previous 1978 (at independence); latest effective 1 October 1986 amendments: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership in the final reading; amended 2007, 2010, 2013, 2023
Independence	1 October 1978 (from the UK)

Tuvalu Video

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Tuvalu Geography

What environmental issues does Tuvalu have?

Climate	tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)
Environment - Current Issues	since there are no streams or rivers and groundwater is not potable, most water needs must be met by catchment systems with storage facilities (the Japanese Government has built one desalination plant and plans to build one other); beachhead erosion because of the use of sand for building materials; excessive clearance of forest undergrowth for use as fuel; damage to coral reefs from the spread of the Crown of Thorns starfish; Tuvalu is very concerned about global increases in greenhouse gas emissions and their effect on rising sea levels, which threaten the country's underground water table; in 2000, the government appealed to Australia and New Zealand to take in Tuvaluans if rising sea levels should make evacuation necessary
Environment - International Agreements	party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Terrain	very low-lying and narrow coral atolls

Tuvalu Economy

How big is the Tuvalu economy?

Economic Overview	Despite its small size and remote location, Tuvalu has a developing economy that relies on a mix of traditional subsistence farming, fishing, and international aid. Agriculture and fishing are the mainstay of the Tuvaluan economy. The majority of the population engage in subsistence farming, growing crops such as pulaka, taro, and bananas, as well as fishing for tuna, trevally, and other marine species. The government has also invested in developing the country's aquaculture industry, which involves farming fish and shellfish in ponds and tanks. In addition to traditional agriculture and fishing, Tuvalu also relies heavily on international aid. The country is one of the smallest and poorest nations in the world, with limited natural resources and infrastructure. As such, it has received significant aid from international organizations such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme. Much of this aid has been directed towards improving access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, as well as developing the country's infrastructure, including roads, airports, and telecommunications networks. Another important sector of the Tuvaluan economy is the tourism industry. While the country is not a major tourist destination, it does receive a small number of visitors each year who come to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of the atolls. The government has invested in developing tourism infrastructure, including the construction of hotels and guesthouses, as well as promoting Tuvalu as an eco-friendly and sustainable travel destination. Despite its modest economic growth, Tuvalu still faces significant challenges. The country is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, increased frequency of storms and floods, and saltwater intrusion into the limited freshwater supply. These challenges threaten the country's food security, infrastructure, and economy, and require significant investments in adaptation and mitigation measures.
Industries	fishing, tourism, copra
Currency Name and Code	Austrlian Dollar (AUD)
Export Partners	UK 49.4%, Italy 16.7%, France 9.6%, Fiji 8.3%, Sudan 5.1%
Import Partners	Japan 54.2%, Fiji 18%, Australia 13.6%, New Zealand 5.2%, Germany 4.3%

Tuvalu News and Current Events

What current events are happening in Tuvalu?
Source: Google News

Tuvalu Travel Information

What makes Tuvalu a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

Tuvalu is a South Pacific island nation consisting of four reef islands and five atolls. A self-governing member of the British Commonwealth, Tuvalu has a parliamentary system of government.

Crime

Tuvalu has a low crime rate. However, visitors should review their own personal security practices, be alert to any unusual activity around their homes or businesses, and report any suspicious incidents to local police authorities.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Tuvalu, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In Tuvalu, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Tuvalu, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy in Fiji, as soon as you are arrested or detained.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Medical and dental care are very limited in Tuvalu, including in Funafuti, the capital. Serious medical problems are referred to health professionals and hospitals in Guam or Hawaii. Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in Tuvalu, road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Tuvalu is provided for general reference only and may not be completely accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic moves on the left in Tuvalu. The main roads on Funafuti are paved, but other roads on other islands are generally unpaved. Animals and unwary pedestrians walking in the road make night driving on unlit secondary roads hazardous. For specific information concerning Tuvalu driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, contact the Tuvalu Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

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