In 2009, Tuvalu had an estimated population of 10,500 people, with a growth rate of 0.7%. The economy was largely based on exports of copra and fish as well as services in the areas of tourism and transportation. Foreign relations were mainly focused on trade agreements with Australia, New Zealand and other countries in the region. In terms of politics, Tuvalu was a unitary republic with a governor-general as head of state. In 2009, Sir Iakoba Taeia Italeli was the governor-general at that time and his party had a majority in both houses of Parliament. See internetsailors for Tuvalu in the year of 2011.
Yearbook 2009
Tuvalu. According to countryaah, Taiwan has promised to help Tuvalu cope with the consequences of rising sea levels. Tuvalu, which has just over 12,000 residents, is only an average of two meters above sea level. According to some studies, the islands can disappear into the sea in just 30-40 years. Tuvalu belongs to the minority of the world’s countries that recognize Taiwan, and it was when Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia visited Taiwan in February that the promise came. Taiwan’s president Ma Ying-jeou said he was prepared to do anything to save Tuvalu’s nine atolls. Among other things, a specialized infrastructure and relocation of residents between the islands could be relevant, he said. Many residents have already moved from isolated islands to the main island of Funafuti. In addition, about 100 Tuvaluans have settled on the autonomous island of Niue Island. See ABBREVIATIONFINDER for abbreviation TV which stands for the nation of Tuvalu.
Tuvalu is investing in all electricity consumed by the country to be generated from renewable sources by 2020. The government wants to switch from imported diesel to wind and solar energy to generate electricity and estimates that the conversion would cost about US $ 20 million. Solar panels have already been installed at the country’s largest football stadium in the capital Fongafale. The Minister of Community Service, Kausea Natano, said in July that Tuvalu wants to set a good example when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Some other countries, including Norway and New Zealand, have also pledged to completely eliminate carbon dioxide emissions.
At the end of November, the country’s government signed an agreement with the UN development program UNDP on a four-year project to support Tuvalu in its efforts to cope with the climate threat and rising sea levels. The project is intended to help protect the country’s natural resources and increase the residents’ awareness of climate change.
Ahead of the climate summit in Copenhagen in December, Tuvalu, along with ten other Pacific island nations, demanded that the UN adopt a legally binding agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The group’s spokesman, Palau’s UN ambassador Stuart Beck, told the UN General Assembly in November that only a binding climate agreement can save low-lying countries such as Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands and Kiribati. The disappointment was therefore great among the Pacific countries when it became clear that the climate summit did not lead to a binding UN document signed by all countries.
Shopping
Overview
Hats, mats, shell necklaces and traditional wooden boxes with lids (Tulumas). Shop opening hours: Mon-Sat 06.00-23.59.
Nightlife
Introduction
Every 14 days there is a disco night at the Vaiaku Lagi Hotel. Dance performances with local artists can be organized, the fees are not very high.
Culinary
Overview
There is one restaurant/bar each at Vaiaku Lagi Hotel and Su’s and Kai Restaurant. Seafood, fish and African specialties are served. A barbecue is held every two weeks in the courtyard of the Vaiaku Lagi Hotel. There are snack bars and restaurants on the main island of Funafuti. Beverages: Beer is imported.
Culture
Religion
Protestant (98%).
Social Rules of Conduct
When entering a church, a village meeting house (manepa) or a private home, one should remove one’s shoes. If visitors are invited to a feast, certain rules of conduct must be observed. It is considered impolite to speak a foreign language in the presence of a person who does not understand that language. Therefore, obvious attempts by the host to engage in a private conversation should be interpreted as a polite gesture. Alcohol consumption is only permitted in licensed establishments. Casual attire is acceptable, but women should avoid miniskirts and bikinis. Nudity and »topless« are not allowed. Tipping is not customary.
Climate
Best travel time
Hot and humid climate. Hardly any temperature fluctuations between the seasons. It is slightly cooler and more pleasant from March to October, the rainy season lasts from November to February.
Country data
Phone prefix
+688
Area (sq km)
26
Population
11,792
Population density (per square km)
418
Population statistics year
2015
Main emergency number
911