Tuvalu, also was known formally as the Ellice Islands, a country in the west-central Pacific Ocean, in Oceania. It is composed of nine small islands scattered in a chain lying from northwest to southeast over 420 miles. The village of Vaiaku is the capital of the islands, where the main government buildings are placed. Tuvalu formed the British Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony and separated themselves and in 1978, independence was formed.
Islands
The group of islands are both atolls and reef islands. Nanumea, Nui, Nukufetau, Funafuti, and Nukulaelae have pockets that surround a small lake, also known as atoll islands. While the reef islands are called Nanumanga, Niutao, Vaitupu, and Niulakita, which the islands connect to a coral reef. Both sets of islands are ranging from 13 to 16 feet the above sea level, which is a problem with rising sea levels, will soon drown the islands. The islands are heavily reliant on imported goods, as the soil in the islands are too rocky, so only coconuts, bananas, and few other agricultures is grown in Tovalu. The major trade partners consist of Fiji, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
People and Culture
The population in 2022 is a little bit over 10.400. Their main language is Tuvaluan, closely related to Samoan. English is also taught in their schools and is widely used. Most of the population are faithful in the Church of Tuvalu. A lot of the population live with extended family in households, which are clustered into villages. About one third of the population lives in Funafuti, it is the center of the government and commerce. The country mainly makes its money by fishing and farming cattle using Australian currency as the main currency. Tovalu has been almost consumed by westernization, so electricity, and no press, only government controls of the news. Traditional music and dance still have a strong following so as Volleyball, soccer, and cricket are popular. Tuvaluan life still rests on a firm traditional base that emphasizes the importance of the community and identity.
Facts
-When searching up the place with the least amount of tourism per year, Tolavu is the first thing that shows up, which is 2,000 tourists per year.
-Tovalu is a total of 6425 acres.
-It is the 4th smallest country in the world.
-The airstrip is where all the sports are played, with flights coming 2-3 days apart.
