Tuvalu is the least visited country in the world. It’s also one of the smallest countries in terms of area and population. The country has nine islands, six inhabited by just a few thousand people, while three are uninhabited.
It is located in the Pacific Ocean, almost equidistant from Hawaii and Australia. Tuvalu is located in the Polynesian triangle, along with Samoa and Fiji.
Funafuti, Nanumea, Nukufetau, Vaitupu, and Nui are the most populated islands. Three reef islands and six atolls make up Tuvalu.
Tuvalu was first designated as a protectorate of the United Kingdom in 1914 and became an independent country in 1978. It is an UN-recognized United Nations member state. Tuvalu has been active in the Pacific Islands Forum and other regional organizations, particularly regarding environmental and climate change issues.
Climate
The climate of Tuvalu is classified as a tropical climate. The islands of Tuvalu experience heavy rainfall throughout the year. The average annual rainfall ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 millimeters on most islands. The wettest period is between December and February.
The islands are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones, and ocean acidification. Communities in Tuvalu are working to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Some of them have installed solar-powered desalination plants on their atolls.
People
About 11,792 people are living in Tuvalu. People from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. are common residents in Tuvalu. Still, many New Zealanders and Australians cannot legally resettle there because of the country’s strict immigration policy.
Tuvalu is one of the few peaceful countries in the world, with a low homicide rate of 0.8, averaging 100,000 people in 2014. However, Tuvalu’s policing services are being reviewed as demand increases.
Culture
Tuvalu is known for its traditional Polynesian customs, including the use of siapo, an elaborately decorated barkcloth made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree. Some of its traditional cultural practices, such as tattooing in certain areas, are no longer practiced by most people.
Tuvalu has had a national day each year on September 14 since 2003 to commemorate World Peace Day. The country does not have an army or navy, and there is no compulsory national service for its citizens.
The islands have a good number of churches, with a Christian-majority population. There are also Hindu and Muslim residents.
Economy
Agriculture and fishing are the main economic activities in Tuvalu. Copra from coconut is the major export product, as well as fish, clothing, and handicrafts. The remittances sent by Tuvaluans living and working overseas are an important part of the economy.
The G.D.P. (P.P.P.) per capita is $5,700. The unemployment rate is 10 percent. The government provides free education up to the secondary level.
Tourism
Tourism is not a major economic activity in Tuvalu, although a small number of tourists visit the country every year. The country was host to the annual Teufaiva Festival in Funafuti each July. The festival, held for the first time in 2007, was held again in 2008 and 2010.
Attractions include the sunken U.S.S. Arizona, a World War II submarine scuttled by the U.S. Navy in June 1942 near Funafuti. Some believe it is the final resting place of the legendary navigator Polynesian explorer and captain George Frend.
There are also the remains of an aircraft in Nanumea and monuments to the U.S.S. Albacore, a World War II submarine that sank near Nanumea, and the U.S.S. Yorktown, which the U.S. Navy scuttled in November 1942 near Nanumea.
Things to do in Tuvalu
1.Island hopping
The uninhabited islands can be visited by sailing yacht or small boat.
2.Diving
The marine life in the waters surrounding Tuvalu is rich and can be explored by scuba diving.
3.Kite surfing
Tuvalu is a popular destination for kite surfers, as the wind blows consistently throughout the year. Kite surfers have also discovered that the islands’ waters are rich in marine life and offer great conditions for fishing.