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Tuvalu

General Information about Tuvalu

Tuvalu, which was formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a small Polynesian island nation located in the South Pacific halfway between Hawaii and Australia. Tuvalu is comprised of four reef islands and five atolls and is the second-least populated independent nation in the world, having a population of under 12,000 people. The official languages spoken in Tuvalu are Tuvaluan, English, Samoan and Kiribati (on the Nui Island). 97% of the population belong to the Congregationalist Church of Tuvalu. The atoll Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu and is also the most populated with 4,500 inhabitants.

The Funafuti atoll features the government buildings, an airstrip, hotel and homes built either in the traditional way using palm fronds, or the more modern way using cement blocks. Also here is the Church of Tuvalu, the remains of an American aircraft which crashed here during World War II and the Funafuti Lagoon which is the atoll's greatest attraction. This is one of the best places for snorkelling and swimming. The Funafala Islet is where the villagers were relocated to during World War II and is still home to a very small community that live a traditional lifestyle. The beautiful Nanumea Atoll which suffered many attacks from the Japanese during World War II features plane wrecks, a ship wreck, a large church and a fresh water pond- a very unusual occurance on an atoll.

Climate

Find Out About The Climate of Tuvalu

The climate of Tuvalu can be described as tropical with hot and humid weather conditions along with some easterly trade winds and westerly gales. If your planning a trip between November and February then you should be prepared to experience some wet weather as this is the rainy season. Tuvalu experiences pleasant conditions all throughout the year with averages of 30 degrees. March through to October are the cooler months to visit.

Geography

Geographical Information On Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a geographical region of Oceania set in the South Pacific Ocean with an area of just 26 square kilometres and a coastline of only 24 kilometres. Tuvalu has nine coral atolls which are surrounded by lagoons and several natural reef channels. The highest point of Tuvalu remains unnamed and rises to just five metres.

Economy

Learn About The Economy Of Tuvalu

The agricultural industry in Tuvalu only provides a small percentage of the economy, this is mainly because of poor soil. Subsistence farming and fishing are the main economic revenues. The tourism industry isn't very strong with small numbers visiting the islands each year. Tuvalu receives economic aid from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom via a trust fund that was set up back in 1987. Many of the locals on the island receive funds from family members working abroad. The main agricultural products are coconuts and fish which is also one of the two main exports, the second being cobra. The official currency of Tuvalu is Australian Dollar although there is also a Tuvaluan Dollar.

Must Explore would like to wish you an enjoyable stay in Tuvalu.

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