Tuvalu

In brief

Tuvalu is a country in Polynesia (Oceania). Its capital is Funafuti. With 9,492 inhabitants in 2025, it ranks 194th in the world by population, out of the 195 countries recognised by the UN. Its area is 26 km². An island nation, Tuvalu has no land border.

GDP per capita stands at $6,041 (2025), 110th in the world. Life expectancy at birth is 67.3 years (2024). 65% of the population lives in cities.

History of Tuvalu

Settled by Polynesians, the Ellice Islands formed a British colony with the Gilberts. After a 1974 referendum they separated and became independent on 1 October 1978 as Tuvalu, “eight together”, for the eight islands then inhabited. The country earns part of its income from its internet domain, “.tv”. A treaty signed with Australia in 2023 opens a migration pathway in the face of rising seas.

Geography of Tuvalu

Nine coral atolls and islands with 26 km² of land: one of the smallest countries in the world. The highest point is under five metres, making it one of the countries most threatened by rising sea levels.

Map of Tuvalu

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Flag of Tuvalu

The flag of Tuvalu is red, white and blue. Its official proportions are 1:2 (height to width).

• Blue79%
• Red9%
• White8%
• Yellow3%

Share of the flag’s surface taken by each colour.

What the flag stands for

Light blue, with the Union Jack and nine yellow stars arranged like the islands on a map.

Sources: Wikipedia, articles “Tuvalu” and “Flag of Tuvalu”.

See also: flags with a cross, flags with a star.

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Fact file

Economy and society