Country Profile: Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a small, upper middle-income island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, composed of nine coral atolls. With a population of approximately 11,733, it is one of the most remote countries in the world, primarily relying on subsistence agriculture and fishing for its economy. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, Tuvalu strives to maintain its cultural heritage while facing significant environmental challenges, including rising sea levels and limited natural resources.

Geography

Tuvalu is situated halfway between Hawaii and Australia, comprising nine low-lying coral atolls with a total land area of just 26 square kilometers. The climate is tropical and moderated by trade winds, with a coastline measuring 24 kilometers. The elevation ranges from sea level to a maximum of five meters above sea level, making it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.

26 sq km: Total area, comparable to Washington, D.C.
24 km: Total coastline length.
200 nm: Exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
2 m: Mean elevation above sea level.
60%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
97%: Ethnic composition of Tuvaluans in the population.

People and Society

Tuvalu has a population of 11,733, with the majority residing on the atoll of Funafuti. The official languages are Tuvaluan and English, and the predominant religion is Protestantism, which accounts for 92.7% of the population. The country's median age is 27.8 years, and its literacy rate stands at an impressive 100%.

66.2%: Urban population (2023).
2.78: Total fertility rate (2024).
69 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
22 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024).
0.98 male(s)/female: Overall sex ratio (2024).
100%: Literacy rate for all demographics (2022).

Economy

Tuvalu has an economy characterized by its reliance on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and significant international aid. The currency is pegged to the Australian dollar, and the nation is a major recipient of foreign assistance. The GDP (PPP) for 2023 is estimated at $57.055 million, with a forecasted growth rate of 3.9%.

$5,800: Real GDP per capita (2023).
3.9%: Real GDP growth rate (2023).
$62.28 million: GDP at official exchange rate (2023).
4.2%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2023).
15.9%: Agriculture's contribution to GDP (2015).

Government

Tuvalu operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with its capital at Funafuti. The government structure includes a unicameral legislature known as Parliament, which comprises 16 members elected by the populace. The country achieved independence from the UK on 1 October 1978 and maintains strong diplomatic ties with Australia and New Zealand.

1 October 1978: Independence from the UK.
0%: Percentage of women in Parliament.
18: Age of suffrage for citizens.
16: Total seats in Parliament.
100%: Dual citizenship recognized.

Military and Security

Tuvalu does not maintain regular military forces but has a police force responsible for local security. Under the Falepili Union treaty with Australia, Tuvalu has provisions for mutual assistance in times of natural disasters or external threats.

2025: Future implementation of the Falepili Union treaty for security cooperation.
US "shiprider" agreement: Allows local enforcement to work with US naval forces to patrol maritime zones.

Energy

Electricity access is universal in Tuvalu, with an electrification rate of 100%. The government aims to ensure that both urban and rural areas benefit equally from this access, reflecting a commitment to sustainable energy practices.

100%: Electrification for the total population (2022).
99.1%: Electrification rate in rural areas (2022).

Environment

Tuvalu faces significant environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources, beach erosion, and the risk of rising sea levels affecting its atolls. The government is active in international climate agreements, emphasizing its commitment to combating climate change.

34.3%: Forest cover (2023).
4,000 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.).
6.8 µg/m³: Particulate matter emissions (2019 est.).

Transportation

Tuvalu has limited transportation infrastructure, featuring a single airport and one major port located at Funafuti Atoll. The country’s maritime transport includes a merchant fleet that supports goods movement within its territorial waters.

1: Number of airports (2025).
270: Total number of merchant marine vessels (2023).
1: Key port at Funafuti, classified as very small.

Communications

The communications infrastructure in Tuvalu includes a modest number of fixed and mobile telephone subscriptions, with a high internet user penetration rate. Broadcasting services are limited, with reliance on state-owned radio.

74%: Internet user rate within the population (2023).
9,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2021).
2,000: Fixed line subscriptions (2021).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	11,733	Estimated for 2024
Area	26 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$57.055 million	Real GDP (PPP) for 2023
Energy Consumption	100%	Electrification rate (total population, 2022)
Birth Rate	22 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	69 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	100%	Total population (2022)
Unemployment Rate	Not available	Data not provided
Agricultural Land Usage	60%	Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023)
Total Fertility Rate	2.78 children/woman	Estimated for 2024