Tuvalu

A Tiny Island Nation with a Big Voice on Climate Justice

Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a small Polynesian island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia. Comprising 9 low-lying coral atolls and reef islands, Tuvalu is one of the smallest and most remote countries in the world, both by land area and population. Despite its size, it is a powerful advocate for climate action, facing existential threats from rising sea levels.

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Formation and Historical Background

• Inhabited for over 2,000 years by Polynesian settlers.

• Became part of the British protectorate of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands in the late 19th century.

• Separated from the Gilberts (now Kiribati) and became the independent nation of Tuvalu on October 1, 1978.

• Remains a parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy.

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Administrative Information

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Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

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Government and Leadership

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Administrative Divisions (Islands)

Tuvalu is made up of 9 islands:

• Funafuti (capital atoll)

• Nanumea

• Nanumanga

• Niutao

• Nui

• Nukufetau

• Nukulaelae

• Vaitupu

• Niulakita (smallest, uninhabited until recently)

Each island has its own kaupule (local council) for administration and development.

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Local Government Structure

• Governance is rooted in the Falekaupule Act (1997), empowering traditional elders.

• Each island is semi-autonomous in managing local affairs, land, and customary practices.

• Strong emphasis on community consensus, chiefly roles, and communal living.

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Leadership & Governance

Tuvalu’s 2025 governance focus areas include:

• Climate diplomacy – international advocacy on sea level rise

• Digital governance and the Tuvaluan Digital Nation initiative

• Sustainable fisheries and marine conservation

• Disaster preparedness and renewable energy transitions

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Law Enforcement & Safety

• Security bodies:

  • Tuvalu Police Force (under Ministry of Home Affairs)

  • Maritime surveillance supported by Australia and regional partners

• Crime is extremely low, and traditional village justice systems are widely respected.

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Economy & Industry

• Small and aid-dependent economy; key income sources:

  • Fishing licenses (EEZ leasing)

  • Remittances from Tuvaluans working overseas

  • .tv domain royalties – major digital revenue stream

  • Agriculture and subsistence farming

• GDP (2024 est.): Approx. USD 55 million

• GDP per capita: ~USD 4,900

• 2025 economic goals:

  • Tourism development (eco and marine-focused)

  • Digital economy integration

  • Climate-resilient infrastructure investment

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Education & Institutions

• Free and compulsory education up to Year 11

• High literacy rates; instruction in English and Tuvaluan

• Institutions:

  • Tuvalu Atoll Science and Technical Institute (TASTII)

  • University of the South Pacific – Extension Centre (Funafuti)

• Priorities: vocational training, teacher quality, and digital learning

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Healthcare

• Public health system with support from international partners (WHO, NZ, Australia)

• Main facility: Princess Margaret Hospital (Funafuti)

• Health challenges:

  • Limited medical personnel and referral services

  • NCDs, dental issues, and waterborne diseases

  • Evacuations to Fiji or NZ for complex cases

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Transport & Connectivity

• Funafuti International Airport: primary air link to Fiji

• Inter-island travel via government ferries and boats

• Limited road infrastructure on Funafuti and outer islands

• Mobile and internet access expanding via submarine cable since 2020s

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Tourism & Attractions

Natural Beauty:

• Lagoon at Funafuti Atoll – diving, snorkeling, coral exploration

• Traditional canoeing, reef fishing, birdwatching

• Low-impact eco-tourism opportunities across outer islands

Cultural Richness:

• Traditional fatele dancing, music, and storytelling

• Handicrafts from pandanus, shells, and coconut

• Community life centered around church, village hall, and family

Tourism Focus: Sustainability, culture-based experience, climate awareness tourism

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Culture & Lifestyle

• Ethnicity: ~96% Polynesian Tuvaluans

• Language: Tuvaluan (primary), English (official)

• Cuisine: Pulaka, coconut, taro, breadfruit, fresh fish

• Deeply Christian society – churches central to social life

• Celebrations: Tuvalu Day (Oct 1), Independence Day, church feasts

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Summary

Tuvalu is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, but also one of the most culturally unified and resilient. Through its powerful voice in global forums and its efforts to preserve its people, land, and culture, Tuvalu continues to embody the spirit of Pacific dignity, digital innovation, and global solidarity.