Tuvalu
Tuvalu - Eight Island group
Tuvalu, which means “island of the group of eight” in the local
language, is located in the southern Pacific Ocean. The land covers
an area of 26 square meters, and contains a population of about
10,000, most of whom are ethnically Polynesian and Christian.
English is the official language, and the currency is the dollar.
The capital, is Funafuti.
National Flag
Tuvalu’s flag is light blue, symbolizing the sea and sky. Nine
yellow five-pointed stars symbol of the nine families of the Tuva
ring coral island group, and in the upper left corner is the British
flag, representing the historical relationship between the two
islands.
History
In 1892, Britain announced Tuvalu as a British protectorate. In 1916
it was designated the British Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony. In
October, 1975, with the Gilbert legal separation, it became known as
Mingtuwalu. The country established self-government in June, 1978,
and October 1 gained independence.
Economy and Cultural Customs
The Tuvalu’s agriculture is poor, and it has almost no industry.
Residents are primarily engaged in fishing and growing coconuts,
bananas, and taro.
Tuvalu is part of the Commonwealth. There are no political parties,
nor an army. The Queen is head of state, and is represented by the
Governor, who is appointed by the Queen or Prime Minister.
In recent years, many islands have been submerged due to rising sea
levels, and as such, a large number of people have emigrated to New
Zealand.
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