Five Things You Didn’t Know About Tuvalu

14/05/2023

Tuvalu is one of the world’s least visited destinations and one of the world’s smallest countries. Sitting in the Pacific Ocean approx 3 hours north of Fiji, this coral country is most often heard of due to the controversial topic of climate change and impacts the rising ocean’s is said to be having on this micronation.

Did you know that Tuvalu has less than 2000 visitors a year?

Tuvalu - Photo credit: Crooked Compass
Tuvalu – Photo credit: Crooked Compass

Tuvalu is the world’s lowest lying country with its highest point only 4m above sea level. The government is said to already be in discussion about moving its population of 11,000 people to Fiji or New Zealand as the oceans continue to rise.

Formerly known as Ellice Island until 1978 when the country became independent from the United Kingdom, Tuvalu is made up of a collection of nine small coral atolls which are represented by nine stars on the countries flag. These atolls are scattered in s chain covering 676km, yet the actually land mass is only 26sq kilometres. It is one of only four countries in the world made up entirely of atolls. It is the third smallest country in the world following Monaco and Nauru (excluding the Vatican as the Vatican is not part of the UN). By population, it is the smallest country in the world.

Ocean and lagoon can be seen on both sides of the island. Photo credit: Crooked Compass
Ocean and lagoon can be seen on both sides of the island. Photo credit: Crooked Compass

Mangroves are being planted in a dedicated conservation area to help enhance fisheries and prevent erosion from tidal and storm surges.

There are no credit cards on the island – this is a cash only society and they use the Australian dollar.

Tuvalu is the only country in the world where no-one needs a visa to visit. The biggest challenge is actually getting to the island!

At dusk, the runway becomes a hive of activity! Photo credit: Crooked Compass
At dusk, the runway becomes a hive of activity! Photo credit: Crooked Compass