Tuvalu

Where Tuvalu is in the world

A map of the country of Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a small island country in the Pacific Ocean. It used to be called Ellice Islands; it was part of Gilbert and Ellice Islands. It is a monarchy.

Tuvalu is getting smaller. If the sea level keeps rising at the same rate, this country will be covered by water in about 50 years.

The most important language spoken in Tuvalu is Tuvaluan. although Nuian is spoken on the island of Nui.

The United States and Tuvalu signed a treaty of friendship in 1979, when the USA gave up its claim to the islands of Funafuti, Nukefetau, Nukulaelae, and Nurakita.

Tuvalu is made up of 9 islands:

• Funafuti
• Nanumea
• Nanumaga
• Niutao
• Nui
• Niulakita
• Nukufetau
• Nukulaelae
• Vaitupu

Geography

A beach at Funafuti atoll on a sunny day.

Tuvalu has four reef islands and five true atolls. The atolls have only 26 km land. Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world. The land is very low lying and the coral atolls are narrow. Funafuti is the largest atoll of the islands and atolls. It has many islets around a central lagoon. This is about 25.1 kilometres (15.6 mi) (N–S) by 18.4 kilometres (11.4 mi) (W-E), centred on 179°7’E and 8°30’S. A

The highest height is 4.5 metres (15 ft) above sea level, which gives Tuvalu the second-lowest highest elevation of any country (after the Maldives). Because of this, the islands that make up Tuvalu are threatened by any sea level rise. If this happens, the people will have to go to New Zealand, Niue or the Fijian island of Kioa. Tuvalu is also affected by what is known as a king tide, which can raise the sea level higher than a normal high tide.