Tuvalu’s six coral atolls and three reef islands lie midway between Hawaii and Australia. After Nauru, Tuvalu is the world's smallest independent nation by population. This tiny Polynesian country has few natural resources; many people make a living from working as commercial sailors, the financial industry or by farming coconuts. Tuvalu's fishermen catch flyingfish by attracting them with spotlights then sweeping them up into butterfly nets.
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History

Tuvalu was settled by a Polynesian people who sailed to the islands around 3000 years ago. Nui, one of the islands, was was first sighted by the Spanish in 1568 and other explorers in the 18th century. The islanders fell prey to Peruvian slavers in the 1860s. The islands were declared a British protectorate in 1892, and named the Ellice Islands. Between 1916 and 1976, they formed part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony.

Facts about Tuvalu

Population 11,646

Area 26 sq km (10 sq miles)

Highest point Niulakita 4.6 m (15 ft)

Capital Funafuti (largest island: Fongafale) pop. 6320

Languages Tuvaluan, English

Religions Christian (Congregationalist) 97%, Christian (other) 2%, other 1%

Ethnicity Tuvaluan 96%, other 4%

Currency Australian dollar (AUD)