Tuvalu

Region
🌍 Oceania
Population
👥 10
Currency
💱 Australian dollar
Languages
🗣️ English, Tuvaluan
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 30 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Tuvalu
Continent
Oceania
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Tuvaluan
Independence
October 1, 1978 (from the United Kingdom)
Top-Level Domain
.tv
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+688
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+12:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Funafuti
ISO Alpha-2
TV
ISO Alpha-3
TUV
UN Code
798
Geographic Coordinates
-8,178
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
26#242 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
10,643#230 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
327.2
Highest Point (m)
4 meters (on Fonuat, Niulakita)
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level
Land Use
Agricultural land comprises a small percentage; most land is used for settlements or other purposes.
Irrigated Land
This country has a small amount of irrigated land.
Coastline Length
24 kilometers
Climate
Tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season from November to February
Natural Resources
Fish
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This country has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This country has no major lakes.
Government Type
Parliamentary monarchy
Administrative Divisions
9 island councils
Chief of State
King Charles III (represented by a Governor-General)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Kausea Natano
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Elections
Elections are held for the Parliament; the Prime Minister is elected by Parliament.
Judicial Branch
High Court; Magistrate's Court
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament
Major Political Parties
There are no formal political parties; members of parliament usually run as independents.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Australian dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.06#211 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.06#201 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6,041.45#129 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
15.94
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
7.03
GDP - Services (%)
—
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2011)Checked September 29, 2026
0.5#164 of 191
Labor Force (people)
The labor force is small and primarily engaged in subsistence activities, fishing, and government employment.
Unemployment Rate (%)
Unemployment data is limited, but is generally understood to be substantial.
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Public debt levels vary, and depend on international aid and economic conditions.
Budget
Tuvalu's budget relies heavily on foreign aid and revenue from fishing licenses.
Exports (US$ billion)
Exports are very limited, consisting mainly of fish.
Imports (US$ billion)
Imports, including fuel, food, and manufactured goods, far exceed exports.
Foreign Reserves
Tuvalu's foreign reserves are closely tied to its economic assistance agreements.
GDP by Sector
Primarily services, fishing, and limited agriculture.
Major Industries
Fishing, tourism, and limited construction are the major industries.
Major Export Partners
Export partners are primarily in Asia and Oceania; specifics may fluctuate.
Major Import Partners
Import partners are primarily in Asia and Oceania; specifics may fluctuate.

Society

100#1 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
22
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
9.3
Net Migration Rate
Net migration is generally near zero.
Median Age
The median age is relatively young.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
65.45#106 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization is low with minimal change.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
67.3#172 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is very low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
27.09
Ethnic Groups
Primarily Tuvaluan (Polynesian) with small numbers of other Pacific Islanders and expatriates.
Religions
Predominantly Christian, with the Church of Tuvalu (Congregationalist) being the largest denomination.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Tuvaluan

Education

Education System
Tuvalu's education system follows a structure of primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2001)Checked September 29, 2026
10.9
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education in Tuvalu is a significant portion of its budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Tuvalu does not have any major universities.

Culture

Cultural Overview
Tuvaluan culture is rooted in Polynesian traditions, with a strong emphasis on community and family.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
  • Tausaga Fou (2026-01-01)
  • Commonwealth Day (2026-03-09)
  • Good Friday (2026-04-03)
  • Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
  • Te Aso o te Tala Lei (2026-05-11)
  • King's Official Birthday (2026-05-11)
  • Aso Tamaliki (2026-08-03)
  • Tuvalu Day (2026-10-01)
  • Tuvalu Day Holiday (2026-10-02)
  • Kilisimasi (2026-12-25)
  • Boxing Day (2026-12-26)
Popular Music
Traditional Polynesian music and dance are popular, with influences from Western music.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include seafood, taro, coconuts, and local fruits.
Sports
Cricket and football (soccer) are popular sports in Tuvalu.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Independence Day celebrations and religious events.
Famous People
Notable figures include athletes and community leaders.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Tuvalu has a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites and traditional villages.
UNESCO Sites
Tuvalu does not have any UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
Data unavailable; very low number of annual visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is limited due to the country's small size and remoteness; climate change impacts.
Top Tourist Attractions
Funafuti Lagoon, small islands and islets.
Famous Cities
Funafuti.
National Parks
None officially designated.
Protected Areas
Limited protected areas exist.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa not generally required; 30-day stay.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise a high degree of caution due to limited infrastructure and climate change threats.

Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality is limited, with access to specialized medical services being difficult.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively low compared to developed countries.
Number of Hospitals
Tuvalu has one main hospital and several clinics.
Universal Healthcare
Tuvalu provides a basic level of healthcare to its citizens.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are limited; healthcare is primarily provided at the main hospital in Funafuti and at island clinics.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is limited; evacuation to Fiji or other countries may be necessary for serious conditions.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 911.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for the ambulance is 911.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department is 911.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Tuvalu is generally low.
Safety Index
Tuvalu generally has a high safety index.
Military Expenditure
Tuvalu does not have military expenditure.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are provided by the police, fire, and medical teams.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Tuvalu does not maintain a military.

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
Access to electricity is available in populated areas, but may be limited in remote areas.
Water Access
Access to clean water is available, but water scarcity is a concern.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is available in urban areas.
Railways
Tuvalu has no railways.
Roadways
Roads in Tuvalu are mostly unpaved and limited in extent.
Transportation System
Transportation primarily relies on inter-island boats and limited road networks.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Funafuti International Airport (FUN)
Ports
The main port is located in Funafuti.
Public Transit
Public transportation is limited; walking and bicycles are common.

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
35.2#173 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Data unavailable.
Tech Startups
Limited information available; startup ecosystem underdeveloped.
Innovation Index
Data unavailable.
ICT Development Index
Data unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited: One television station.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited: One radio station.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0#195 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data is limited; air quality generally good.
Water Pollution Level
Likely low due to limited industry, but vulnerable to sewage and runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Significant potential for solar; efforts underway to increase usage.
Environmental Issues
Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and climate change impacts are major concerns.
Natural Hazards
Cyclones, droughts, and rising sea levels.
Waste Management
Limited infrastructure; waste disposal a growing concern.
Environmental Agreements
Party to agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and others.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Limited number of diplomatic missions abroad.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth
Major Treaties
Participates in major international treaties related to climate change and environmental protection.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free travel agreements with several countries, primarily in the Pacific region and a few others.

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