Tuvalu

Pre-19th century – Settled by Polynesians, oral traditions and seafaring culture

1819 – First recorded European contact (named Ellice Islands by British)

1892 – Incorporated into British protectorate of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands

1916 – Becomes part of British colony (Gilbert and Ellice Islands)

1942–1943 – Used as Allied military base during World War II

1974 – Ellice Islanders vote to separate from Gilberts (now Kiribati)

October 1, 1978 – Tuvalu gains full independence from the United Kingdom (date of modern state formation) 2000s – Raises global awareness on climate change and sea-level rise

2010s–2020s – Develops partnerships with international donors; digital economy grows via “.tv” domain leasing

2022–2025 – Strong climate diplomacy; digital twin nation concept explored to preserve sovereignty digitally

Location: South Pacific Ocean (Polynesia)
Capital: Funafuti
Language: Tuvaluan, English (both official)
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Population: ~11,300 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Tuvalu Time (TUT, UTC+12)

Borders: None (island nation)
Landscape: Low-lying coral atolls and reef islands
Major Water Bodies: Pacific Ocean, lagoon systems around atolls
Notable Features: Narrow landmasses, coastal lagoons, no mountains or rivers

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Polynesian (~96%)
Religion: Christianity (primarily Church of Tuvalu – Congregationalist) (last updated: 2021)
Urban Population: ~62% (centered around Funafuti; last updated: 2023)
Population Challenges: High emigration and climate-related displacement concerns (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Traditional Polynesian culture, climate activism, small size
Cuisine: Root crops (taro, pulaka), coconut, fish, breadfruit
Arts: Traditional dance (fatele), handicrafts, canoe-building
Sports: Football (soccer), volleyball, weightlifting

Economy Type: Small island economy, aid-dependent
GDP: Approx. $65 million USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Subsistence farming, fishing, remittances, foreign aid
Key Exports: Copra (dried coconut), stamps, fishing licenses, domain name leasing (.tv)
Unemployment Rate: High informal employment; formal rate ~15% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Notes: Revenues from internet domain “.tv” are significant to national income

Government Type: Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Charles III (represented by Governor-General) (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Kausea Natano (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral Parliament (Palamene o Tuvalu)
Constitution: In effect since independence in 1978

Funafuti Atoll: Vaiaku village, government buildings, local culture
Lagoon: Snorkeling, diving, marine biodiversity
Outer Islands: Traditional village life, untouched coral environments
Nature: Birdwatching, pristine beaches, peaceful surroundings
Eco-tourism: Rising interest due to climate awareness

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None (as of 2025), but Funafuti Marine Conservation Area is significant