Fact 1: More Than Just An Island Nation
Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii and Australia. Though it's frequently referred to as an 'island nation,' Tuvalu is actually a collection of nine islands, and only eight of them are inhabited. This small yet distinct chain of islands exudes an enchanting allure that captivates visitors worldwide.
Fact 2: It has World's Second Least Populated Independent Country
With a population of approximately 11,000 people, Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is the second least populated country in the world, just after the Vatican City, making it a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and tranquility.
Fact 3: Tuvalu Only Has One Hospital
There is only one hospital in all of Tuvalu. It's called the Princess Margaret Hospital and is based in Funafuti, the most populous atoll and the capital of Tuvalu. The hospital caters to all medical needs of residents and visitors alike.
Fact 4: The Smallest GDP in the World
Tuvalu has the smallest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of any country in the world. Its economy is almost entirely dependent on fishing, subsistence farming, and the sale of postage stamps and coins, along with some foreign aid. They also earn income from the lease of their internet domain code, '.tv'.
Fact 5: One of the First Countries to See the Sunrise
Situated just south of the Equator, Tuvalu is one of the first countries to see the sunrise every day. It sits in the world's first time zone, UTC+12, essentially leading the world into each new day.
Fact 6: Home to Endangered Species
Tuvalu is the unique habitats for several endangered species, including the Tuvalu Reed Warbler and the Tuvalu Monarch. Bird watching tourists in particular have a unique opportunity to observe these rare birds here in their natural habitat.
Fact 7: The Airport Runway Turns into a Playground
The Funafuti International Airport's runway doesn't just handle flights; it's used as a playground and meeting spot when there aren't planes scheduled. Soccer matches, social gatherings and even late-night strolls are common occurrences here.
Fact 8: The Highest Point is Less Than 5 Meters Above Sea Level
The island's highest point is only 4.6 meters above sea level, making it the country most vulnerable to rising sea levels due to global warming.
Fact 9: The Star-Studded Flag
Tuvalu's national flag boast nine yellow stars which represent the country's nine islands. Interestingly, these stars are arranged in such a way on the flag that they mimic the geographical layout of the islands on a map.
Fact 10: Tuvaluan - The Native Tongue
The official language of Tuvalu is Tuvaluan, a Polynesian language that is native to the country. However, English is also widely spoken due to the country's past as a British colony.
Fact 11: Dependency on Rainwater
Tuvalu has no natural streams or rivers. Its inhabitants rely heavily on rainwater collected in storage tanks. This makes them exceptionally vulnerable during droughts.
Fact 12: The Battle of Funafuti
During World War II, Funafuti was used by the U.S. military as a naval base. Several battles were fought in and around the atoll in 1943, and remnants of war-era artifacts can still be seen today.
Fact 13: No Armed Forces
Tuvalu is one of a few countries in the world that does not have an official military or armed forces. Instead, it relies on Australia and New Zealand for its defense.
Fact 14: Money for Domain
Possessing the .tv domain has proven to be a significant source of income for Tuvalu. The country's government leased its Internet country code top-level domain, .tv, to a tech firm in return for a share of revenues
Fact 15: A Nation of Athletes
Despite its small size, Tuvalu boasts some impressive athletic endeavours. Tuvalu was the smallest country to participate in the Commonwealth Games and Summer Olympics.
Fact 16: Creating New Land
To counter the risk of rising sea levels, Tuvalu implemented a land reclamation project that has added hectares of new land to the islands.
Fact 17: Every Family has its Land
In Tuvalu, each family owns some land. This is because land rights are traditionally based on lineage, with property being passed down through the generations.
Fact 18: A State With No Roads
The country has a state, Niulakita, with no roads making it the only one of its kind in the world. Instead, traditional footpaths connect the different parts of the state.
Fact 19: The "Manchester of the Pacific"
Tuvalu’s most populated island Funafuti, is sometimes referred to as the "Manchester of the Pacific" because of its fast development in recent years.
Fact 20: World's Smallest UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tuvalu is home to the world's smallest UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as Nanumea Conservation Area. It includes a lake and an area of reef, and notable for its cultural significance to the people of Tuvalu.