Tuvalu: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts
The capital of Tuvalu is Funafuti. Funafuti is an atoll; government offices are in Vaiaku on Fongafale, its largest islet.
About Tuvalu
Tuvalu is a tiny country of nine low coral islands and atolls in the South Pacific, roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia. Its islands are thin strips of sand and palm trees around blue lagoons. It is one of the smallest countries in the world, with only about 26 square kilometres of land.
About Funafuti
Funafuti is a ring-shaped atoll of narrow islets around a wide lagoon, and more than half of the country's people live there. The Funafuti Conservation Area protects part of its lagoon, reefs and islets.
Fun facts about Tuvalu
- Tuvalu means 'eight standing together', for its eight traditionally inhabited islands.
- Its light blue flag has nine yellow stars, one for each of its islands.
- Tuvalu earns money by letting websites use its internet domain, .tv.
- The highest point in the country is only about 5 metres above sea level.
- On Funafuti, the airport runway is used for volleyball, games and other activities when no planes are due.
- Tuvalu is the fourth-smallest country in the world by area.
