Country
Countries A-Z
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: 10,619 (2012E—U.S. Census).
Major Urban Center (2005E): VAIAKU (Funafuti, 6,200).
Official Language: English (Tuvaluan is widely spoken).
Monetary Unit: Australian dollar (market rate November 5, 2012: 0.96 dollar = $1US). The Tuvaluan dollar, introduced in 1977, is used largely for numismatic purposes (market rate November 5, 2012: 0.96 dollar = $1US).
Sovereign: Queen ELIZABETH II.
Governor General: Iakopa ITALELI; sworn in on April 15, 2009, to succeed Rev. Filoimea TELITO.
Prime Minister: Willy TELAVI; elected by Parliament on December 24, 2010, to succeed Maatia TOAFA following a vote of no confidence on December 21, 2010.
The Country
Formerly known as the Ellice Islands ...
