TUVALU
(formerly Ellice Islands)
_Tuvalu.jpg)
|
| (See reference map X) |
NOTE: On 1 October 1975, by Constitutional Order, the Ellice Islands were formally, separated from the British colony of Gilbert and Ellice Islands, thus forming the colony of Tuvalu. The remaining islands in the former Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony are now named Kiribati. Tuvalu includes the islands of Nanumanga, Nanumea, Nui, Niutao, Vaitupu, and the four islands of the Tuvalu group formerly claimed by the United States: Funafuti, Nukufetau, Nukulailai (Nukulaelae), and Nurakita (Niulakita).
LAND
26 km2
WATER
Limits of territorial waters: 3 nm (fishing 200 nm, economic 200 nm)
Coastline: about 24 km
PEOPLE
Population: 9,000 (July 1982), average annual growth rate 1.4%
Nationality: noun—Tuvaluans(s); adjective—Tuvaluan
Ethnic divisions: 96% Polynesian
Religion: Protestant
Literacy: less than 50%
GOVERNMENT
Official name: Tuvalu
Type: constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth
Capital: Funafuti
House of Assembly: eight members
Government leader: Prime Minister Dr. Tomasi PUAPUA
ECONOMY
GNP: $1.2 million (1975), $180 per capita
Electric power: 2,600 kW capacity (1979); 3.0 million kWh produced (1979), 433 kWh per capita
Exports: $67,000 (1977); copra
Imports: $1.44 million (1977); food and mineral fuels
Major trade partners: Australia, UK
Aid: economic commitments—Western (non-US) countries, ODA (1970-79), $22 million
Budget: (1978) $1.6 million
Monetary conversion rate: Australian (A)$1=US$1.12 (1979); A$1=US$1.14 (1978)
COMMUNICATIONS
Railroads: none
Highways: 8 km gravel
Inland waterways: none
Ports: 1 minor
Civil air: no major transport aircraft
Airfields: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m
Telecommunications: 1 AM station; about 300 radio telephones (0.5 per 100 popl.); 4,000 radio sets
239
