Tuvalu: A Vanishing Nation - Climate Change

By JC Reardon

Tuvalu - A Profile
General Overview
- Official Name: Tuvalu
- Location: Polynesia, in the central Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia
- Area: 26 square kilometers (10 square miles)
- Population: 11,000
- Capital: Funafuti (also the main atoll and administrative center)
- Official Languages: Tuvaluan and English
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Government: Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy (King Charles III is the monarch)
- Time Zone: UTC +12
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Geography
- Tuvalu is composed of 9 low-lying coral atolls and reef islands.
- Funafuti is the most populous atoll and hosts most government buildings and services.
- The highest point is only about 4.5 meters (15 feet) above sea level, making the country extremely vulnerable to climate change and sea level rise.
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People & Culture
- Ethnicity: Almost entirely Polynesian
- Religion: Predominantly Christian (Church of Tuvalu)
- Culture: Rich in oral traditions, song, and dance.
- Extended family and community ties are strong, with communal living and mutual support being cultural norms.
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History
- Pre-colonial: Inhabited by Polynesians for over 1,000 years.
- European Contact: First sighted by Europeans in the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Became part of the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands in the 19th century.
- In 1975, Tuvalu separated from the Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati).
- Independence: Achieved full independence within the Commonwealth on October 1, 1978.
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Economy
- GDP: Extremely small; Tuvalu is one of the world's least developed economies.
- Key Sectors:
o Fishing (tuna licenses bring in revenue)
o Remittances (mainly from Tuvaluans working abroad, especially in shipping)
o Foreign aid (especially from Australia, New Zealand, and the EU)
o DotTV domain leasing: The country earns millions from leasing its .tv internet domain, popular with streaming platforms.
- Agriculture is minimal due to poor soil; copra (dried coconut) is a main export.
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Politics
- Parliamentary system with a unicameral legislature (House of Assembly)
- The Prime Minister is elected by members of parliament.
- Tuvalu is part of the Commonwealth of Nations, and King Charles III is the head of state, represented by a Governor-General.
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Infrastructure
- Transportation: Only one international airport (Funafuti International), few paved roads.
- Communication: Internet is limited but improving.
- Electricity: Primarily diesel-generated, though there are efforts to increase solar power capacity.
- Water Supply: Rainwater collection is essential; fresh water is scarce.
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Climate Change and Rising Seas
- Tuvalu is often cited as a symbol of the climate crisis.
- The government has been vocal at international forums (like the UN) urging for stronger action on global warming.
- There have been discussions about relocating the entire population in the worst-case scenario of submersion.
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International Relations
- Member of the United Nations since 2000.
- Also a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, Commonwealth, and other regional bodies.
- Has close ties with Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan (Tuvalu is one of the few countries to officially recognize Taiwan instead of China).
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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F5N6PSHJ
• ISBN13: 9798280494909
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 282 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"