Pacific Island Nation of Tuvalu
An Overview with general, revenue, lifestyle and travel information
May 30, 2007 Philippa Rowlands
Tuvalu is a group of nine tiny islands in the South Pacific with five of the islands being coral atolls, the other four consisting of land rising from the sea bed. Tuvalu is one of the world's smallest nations spread over 800 km of ocean and located about 1000km north of Fiji. The islands have a delicate ecosystem that is unable to effectively support a growing population. The total land mass of Tuvalu is only 26sq km (10sq miles).
Tuvalu won independence from the United Kingdom in 1978.
Tuvalu and Global Warming
All the islands are low-lying, with no point on Tuvalu higher than 4.5 metres above sea level. Global warming is a huge concern for the islands. Even a small rise in sea level could see the islands swamped by rising sea levels. The government is so concerned about the survival of the islands and their population that it has already purchased land in Fiji (the island of Kioa) and re-settled some of its population and is looking for more land.
Visiting The Islands
The main island is Tuvalu with the capital Funafuti. This town has the nations only airport which is serviced from Fiji. Visas are granted on arrival and last for one month. Funafuti is not a particularly pleasant tourist destination, but it is fascinating in its own way. The island is mostly westernised with a few hotels and guesthouses to accommodate tourists. Only about 1000 tourists visit Tuvalu in any one year. The town has an undeniable litter problem that is hard to ignore, but the government is attempting to clean up to encourage tourists to come to these unique islands.
Traditional Atolls
The other atolls all retain traditional houses and the people maintain their traditional customs and lifestyle. Boat services to the other islands are unreliable and need to be arranged carefully. Visitors should make sure that they have return boat rides well organised before heading to the other islands.
Planning Your Trip
To ensure a pleasant visit tourists must contact the village spokesman on the islands before you arrive to seek his permission and revealing your travel intentions. This will make your visit smoother and more hospitable.
Accommodation
There are several guest houses and hotels in Funafuti.
Camping is prohibited.
Agriculture
The Tuvalu islands are covered with many coconut palms and copra (dried coconut kernel) is the only viable agricultural export from the islands, but increased salinity (salt) in the soil is threatening both farming and the palms.
Water and Farming
Life on the islands is simple and difficult with only a small area to provide produce from subsistence farming and there are no streams or rivers, so the only source of water is from rainwater collection.
Other Revenue
Apart from the export of copra Tuvalu relies on foreign aid, the sale of tuna fishing licences in their waters, the sale of popular and collectable Tuvalu postage stamps, fine handicraft sales and interest from a trust fund set up for the inhabitants of the island.
Internet Suffix tv
Tuvalu has been forced by the circumstances of their threatened islands to find unique ways to make money. As luck would have it Tuvalu was allocated the internet suffix “tv”. In clever negotiations Tuvalu sold its rights to this suffix to a Californian company and for several million dollars per year. The Californian company the “on sells” the suffix to television broadcast companies.
Using The Revenue
The government uses this revenue to build schools and improved education and to pave roads and improve other infrastructure. Some revenue is also set aside for the eventual relocation program. For a country that is so poor in many ways, Tuvalu has managed to improve the lives of its residents by ingenious thinking and careful planning.
Basic Facts About Tuvalu
Population: 10,000 (via UN, 2006)
Capital: Funafuti
Area: 26 sq km (10 sq miles)
Major language: Tuvaluan, English
Major religion: Christianity
Monetary unit: 1 Tuvaluan dollar, or 1 Australian dollar = 100 cents
Main exports: Copra, handicrafts
International dialling code: +688
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