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Tuvalu
Constitutional Monarchy of Tuvalu
Fakavae Aliki-Malo i Tuvalu
Political Status: Former British dependency; independent with “special membership” in the Commonwealth since October 1, 1978.
Land Area: 10 sq. mi. (26 sq. km.).
Resident Population: 9,561 (2002C); 14,200 (2007E). Both figures are exclusive of more than 3,000 Tuvaluans living overseas.
Major Urban Center (2005E): VAIAKU (Funafuti, 6,200).
Official Language: English (Tuvaluan is widely spoken).
Monetary Unit: Australian Dollar (market rate November 1, 2008: 1.52 dollars = $1US). A Tuvaluan coinage (at par with the Australian) was introduced in 1977 but is circulated largely for numismatic purposes.
Sovereign: Queen ELIZABETH II.
Governor General: Rev. Filoimea TELITO; sworn in on April 15, 2005, to succeed Faimalaga LUKA.
Prime Minister: Apisai IELEMIA; elected by parliament on August 14, 2006, to succeed Maatia TOAFA, following the election of August 3, ...