| Surface : 26
sq km (10 sq miles) - Tuvalu (formerly
the Ellice Islands) is a scattered group of nine small atolls in the
western Pacific Ocean extending about 560km (350 miles) from north to
south. The main island, Funafuti, is also the capital and lies 1920km
(1200 miles) north of Suva, Fiji. |
| Population : 10.297 inhabitants |
| Electricity:
240 volts AC, 60Hz
(Funafuti only) |
| Climate: The
climate is humid and hot with a mean annual temperature of 30°C (86°F)
and comparatively little seasonal variation. March to October tends to
be cooler and more pleasant, whilst some discomfort may be experienced
during the wet season from November to February. |
| PASSPORTS:
Valid passport required by all - VISAS:
Required by all except the following: nationals of Commonwealth
countries (except nationals of Brunei, Cameroon, Mozambique, Namibia,
St Kitts & Nevis and South Africa, who do require a visa);
nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Switzerland, Tunisia,
Turkey and Uruguay; nationals of the USA (only if the passport is issued by the Marshall
Islands); transit passengers continuing their journey on the same or
first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding required
travel documents for onward destination and not leaving the airport
transit lounge. |
| Capital : Funafuti.
Population: 3,836 |
| System : Constitutional
monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1978. The British monarch
is head of state, exercising executive authority through an appointed
Governor-General. The post is allocated on the recommendation of the
prime minister and cabinet. A 13-member parliament is elected by
universal adult suffrage under a constituency-based system every 4
years; the prime minister and cabinet are elected from its ranks by
the members. |
| Languages : Tuvaluan, English. |
| Religions : Approximately
98 per cent Protestant. |
| Money : Tuvaluan
Dollar (TV$) = 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of TV$1, and 500,
200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.... Australian and Tuvaluan currency
are both in use |
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+ 688 |
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+ 12 |
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