The Polynesian state of Tuvalu, once known as the “Ellice Islands”, was a former colony that once formed an administrative entity with the Islands of Kiribati. It got its current name after its separation from them.
Top facts about Tuvalu
- The small island state of Tuvalu has established diplomatic relations with the USA, Russia, Australia, and only a few other countries.
- There aren’t any railways here.
- The total length of paved roads in Tuvalu is 8 kilometers only.
- The sale of Tuvalu domain names (.tv) brings a significant contribution to the local treasury.
- Tuvalu is located on nine small atolls.
- The highest point of the country is located at an altitude of 15 feet (5 meters) above sea level.
- Tuvalu is the third most populous country since the end (about 12k people). Only Nauru and Vatican have a smaller population (top facts about Nauru).
- Only about one hundred foreigners live in Tuvalu.
- There is one airport here but the air traffic there is irregular, planes fly to the islands of Fiji only.
- The soil of Tuvalu is subject to coastal erosion, and the country is threatened by flooding.
- Tuvalu has one primary school and one high school.
- There aren’t any political parties here.
- Officially the head of Tuvalu is the monarch of Great Britain.
- The state economy here is based on fishing.
- Tuvalu officially gained independence from the UK in 1978.
- The area of the whole country is only 10 sq. miles (26 sq. km).
- The climate in Tuvalu is very equable, the average temperature hovers around 28-30 degrees all year long. Amazing! 🙂
- Once a powerful hurricane knocked down more than 90% of all trees in Tuvalu.
- There are no rivers here. Locals get freshwater collecting it during the rain into special tanks.
- People in Tuvalu bury the dead in the yard, right next to their houses.