TUVALU

toovälˈoo, independent Commonwealth nation (1995 est. pop. 10,000), 10 sq mi (26 sq km), composed of nine low coral atolls, formerly known as the Ellice (or Lagoon) Islands, scattered over the W Pacific Ocean. The capital and largest city is Fongafale, on Funafuti.

Subsistence farming and fishing are the mainstays of the economy, with copra the chief cash crop for export. The smallness and remoteness of the islands hinder the development of a tourist industry. The sale of postage stamps and coins accounts for the largest portion of the country's income. Other substantial income is received through a trust fund established in 1987 by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The population is primarily Polynesian and about 98% Protestant; most are members of the Church of Tuvalu, a Congregationalist denomination. The government consists of a governor-general representing the British crown, a prime minister and cabinet, and a unicameral elected parliament.

History

Capt. John Byron visited the islands in 1764 and they were administered by Britain as part of a protectorate (1892–1916) and as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony (1916–74). The colony became self-governing in 1971, and in 1974 the Ellice Islanders voted for separate British dependency status as Tuvalu. They became fully independent in 1978 and in 1979 signed a treaty of friendship with the United States, which recognized Tuvalu's possession of four small islands formerly claimed by the United States. Ionatana Ionatana, prime minister since Mar., 1999, died in Dec., 2000; the following February, Faimalaga Luka was elected to succeed him. In 2001 the government requested help from Australia and New Zealand in resettling its citizens if global warming leads to a significant rise in ocean waters; the highest point in the country is about 16 ft (5 m) above sea level. In Dec., 2001, Luka lost a no-confidence vote. Koloa Talake was chosen to succeed him, but he lost his seat in elections in July, 2002. Saufatu Sopoanga became prime minister the following month.

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