Visited
Plan to visitTuvalu is a small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, consisting of nine coral atolls and islets. It is located about midway between Hawaii and Australia and is part of Polynesia. Tuvalu has a population of around 12,000 people and its capital and largest city is Funafuti.
The economy of Tuvalu is primarily based on subsistence agriculture and fishing, as well as remittances from Tuvaluans living abroad. The country has limited natural resources and relies heavily on foreign aid.
Tuvalu is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and traditional arts and crafts, including weaving and woodcarving. The country is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, and the Pacific Islands Forum.
Due to its low elevation and vulnerability to rising sea levels, Tuvalu is considered one of the countries most at risk from the impacts of climate change. The government has taken measures to reduce the country's carbon footprint and promote sustainable development, including promoting renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Telephone Code
688
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
Climate
Tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)
Currency (Code)
Tuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars (AUD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I
Major Languages
Tuvaluan, English, Samoan, Kiribati (on the island of Nui)
Major Religions
Protestant 92.4%, Baha'i 2%, Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, Mormon 1%
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Funafuti Marine Conservation Area; Tuvalu Woman's Handicraft Center
Major Sports
Kilikiti (similar to cricket), ano (variant of volleyball), soccer, volleyball
Cultural Practices
Traditionally, Sundays are a day of rest and church attendance, and visitors are asked to be discreet in their choice of activities. Female visitors are also asked to dress modestly in towns and villages.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not common nor expected.
Souvenirs
Carved tuluma wooden tackle boxes, woven cloth, shell jewelry, stamps
Traditional Cuisine
Pulaka (similar to taro); often combined with coconut cream and served with fish
Geography
Area
total: 26 sq km
land: 26 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)
Natural resources
fish, coconut (copra)
People and Society
Population
11,639 (2023 est.)
Ethnic groups
Tuvaluan 97%, Tuvaluan/I-Kiribati 1.6%, Tuvaluan/other 0.8%, other 0.6% (2017 est.)
Languages
Tuvaluan (official), English (official), Samoan, Kiribati (on the island of Nui)
Religions
Protestant 92.7% (Congregational Christian Church of Tuvalu 85.9%, Brethren 2.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.5%, Assemblies of God 1.5%), Baha'i 1.5%, Jehovah's Witness 1.5%, other 3.9%, none or refused 0.4% (2017 est.)
Population growth rate
0.81% (2023 est.)
Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Capital
name: Funafuti; note - the capital is an atoll of some 29 islets; administrative offices are in Vaiaku Village on Fongafale Islet
Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income but very fragile Pacific island economy; currency pegged to Australian dollar; public revenues from international aid, fishing licenses, and national trust fund; pursuing Te Kakeega sustainable development; significant remittances
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$55.169 million (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$4,900 (2021 est.)
Agricultural products
coconuts, vegetables, tropical fruit, bananas, roots/tubers nes, pork, poultry, eggs, pig fat, pig offals
Industries
fishing
Exports
$2.699 million (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Thailand 50%, Indonesia 40% (2019)
Exports - commodities
fish, ships, coins, metal-clad products, electrical power accessories (2019)
Imports
$51.187 million (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
China 32%, Japan 29%, Fiji 23%, New Zealand 6% (2019)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fishing ships, tug boats, other ships, iron structures (2019)
