Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Tuvalu
CapitalFunafuti
Population9,492
GDP$57.3m
Area25 km²
RegionEast Asia & Pacific
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Voyagers from either Samoa or Tonga first populated Tuvalu in the first millennium A.D., and the islands provided a stepping-stone for various Polynesian communities that subsequently settled in Melanesia and Micronesia. Tuvalu eventually came under Samoan and Tongan spheres of influence, although proximity to Micronesia allowed some Micronesian communities to flourish in Tuvalu, in particular on Nui Atoll. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, a series of American, British, Dutch, and Russian ships visited the islands, which were named the Ellice Islands in 1819.
The UK declared a protectorate over islands in 1892 and merged them with the Micronesian Gilbert Islands. The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Protectorate became a colony in 1916. During World War II, the US set up military bases on a few islands, and in 1943, after Japan captured many of the northern Gilbert Islands, the UK transferred administration of the colony southward to Funafuti. After the war, Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands was once again made the colony’s capital, and the center of power was firmly in the Gilbert Islands, including the colony’s only secondary school. Amid growing tensions with the Gilbertese, Tuvaluans voted to secede from the colony in 1974, were granted self-rule in 1975, and gained independence in 1978 as Tuvalu. In 1979, the US relinquished its claims to the Tuvaluan islands in a treaty of friendship.
Reference: 1979, 1978, 1975, 1974The UK declared a protectorate over islands in 1892 and merged them with the Micronesian Gilbert Islands. The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Protectorate became a colony in 1916. During World War II, the US set up military bases on a few islands, and in 1943, after Japan captured many of the northern Gilbert Islands, the UK transferred administration of the colony southward to Funafuti. After the war, Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands was once again made the colony’s capital, and the center of power was firmly in the Gilbert Islands, including the colony’s only secondary school. Amid growing tensions with the Gilbertese, Tuvaluans voted to secede from the colony in 1974, were granted self-rule in 1975, and gained independence in 1978 as Tuvalu. In 1979, the US relinquished its claims to the Tuvaluan islands in a treaty of friendship.
Geography
Location
Oceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way from Hawaii to Australia
Map references
Oceania
Area
total: 26 sq km
land: 26 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 26 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
about the size of Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
24 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)
Terrain
low-lying and narrow coral atolls
Elevation
highest point: unnamed location 5 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 2 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 2 m
Natural resources
fish, coconut (copra)
Land use
agricultural land: 60% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 60% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
forest: 34.3% (2023 est.)
other: 5.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 60% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
forest: 34.3% (2023 est.)
other: 5.7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Population distribution
over half of the population resides on the atoll of Funafuti
Natural hazards
severe tropical storms are usually rare, but in 1997 there were three cyclones; low levels of islands make them sensitive to changes in sea level
Reference: 1997Geography - note
one of the smallest and most remote countries on earth; six of the nine coral atolls -- Nanumea, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti, and Nukulaelae -- have lagoons open to the ocean; Nanumaya and Niutao have landlocked lagoons; Niulakita does not have a lagoon
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Tuvaluan(s)
adjective: Tuvaluan
adjective: Tuvaluan
Ethnic groups
Tuvaluan 97%, Tuvaluan/I-Kiribati 1.6%, Tuvaluan/other 0.8%, other 0.6% (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017Languages
Tuvaluan (official), English (official), Samoan, Kiribati (on the island of Nui)
Religions
Protestant 92.7% (Congregational Christian Church of Tuvalu 85.9%, Brethren 2.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.5%, Assemblies of God 1.5%), Baha'i 1.5%, Jehovah's Witness 1.5%, other 3.9%, none or refused 0.4% (2017 est.)
Reference: 2017Age structure
0-14 years: 29.2% (male 1,754/female 1,672)
15-64 years: 63.2% (male 3,736/female 3,675)
65 years and over: 7.6% (2024 est.) (male 326/female 570)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 63.2% (male 3,736/female 3,675)
65 years and over: 7.6% (2024 est.) (male 326/female 570)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 58.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 46.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 12.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.3 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 46.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 12.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.3 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 27.8 years (2024 est.)
male: 26.8 years
female: 28.8 years
Reference: 2024male: 26.8 years
female: 28.8 years
Population growth rate
0.78% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
22 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
7.8 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
over half of the population resides on the atoll of Funafuti
Major urban areas - population
7,000 FUNAFUTI (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
170 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.36 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 99% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.7% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.7% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 20% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.35 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 96.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 93.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 95.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 3.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 6.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 4.2% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 93.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 95.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 3.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 6.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 4.2% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
51.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 0.93 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.69 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.69 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 32.4% (2025 est.)
male: 46.2% (2025 est.)
female: 18.1% (2025 est.)
male: 46.2% (2025 est.)
female: 18.1% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
2.9% (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Currently married women (ages 15-49)
66.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0% (2020)
women married by age 18: 1.8% (2020)
men married by age 18: 1.7% (2020)
Reference: 2020women married by age 18: 1.8% (2020)
men married by age 18: 1.7% (2020)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Ben Do | — | 2024-02-26 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Charles III | — | 2022-09-08 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Tuvalu
local long form: none
local short form: Tuvalu
former: Ellice Islands
etymology: the name in the local language means "group of eight" or "eight standing together," referring to eight of the country's nine islands; the remaining island, Nui, was left out of the original grouping because its inhabitants spoke a different language; the former name was given in honor of Canadian shipping company owner Alexander Ellice, who owned a ship that visited the islands in 1819
conventional short form: Tuvalu
local long form: none
local short form: Tuvalu
former: Ellice Islands
etymology: the name in the local language means "group of eight" or "eight standing together," referring to eight of the country's nine islands; the remaining island, Nui, was left out of the original grouping because its inhabitants spoke a different language; the former name was given in honor of Canadian shipping company owner Alexander Ellice, who owned a ship that visited the islands in 1819
Government type
parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Capital
name: Funafuti
geographic coordinates: 8 31 S, 179 13 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the town has the same name as the island it is located on; the name may either come from the Polynesian word futi (banana) or the name Futi, one of the wives of a local ruler, with the word funa added as a feminine prefix
note: note: the capital is an atoll of 29 islets; administrative offices are in Vaiaku Village on Fongafale Islet
geographic coordinates: 8 31 S, 179 13 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the town has the same name as the island it is located on; the name may either come from the Polynesian word futi (banana) or the name Futi, one of the wives of a local ruler, with the word funa added as a feminine prefix
note: note: the capital is an atoll of 29 islets; administrative offices are in Vaiaku Village on Fongafale Islet
Administrative divisions
7 island councils and 1 town council*; Funafuti*, Nanumaga, Nanumea, Niutao, Nui, Nukufetau, Nukulaelae, Vaitupu
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and local customary law
Constitution
history: previous 1978 (at independence); latest effective 1 October 1986
amendment process: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership in the final reading
Reference: 1986, 1978amendment process: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership in the final reading
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes; for a child born abroad, at least one parent must be a citizen of Tuvalu
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: na
citizenship by descent only: yes; for a child born abroad, at least one parent must be a citizen of Tuvalu
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: na
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Tofiga Vaevalu FALANI (since 29 August 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Feleti Penitala TEO (since 27 February 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet members selected by the prime minister
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on recommendation of the prime minister and the parliament; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from members of House of Assembly following parliamentary elections
election results: 2024: TEO was the only candidate nominated by the House of Assembly
2019: Kausea NATANO elected prime minister by House of Assembly; House of Assembly vote - 10 to 6
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019head of government: Prime Minister Feleti Penitala TEO (since 27 February 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet members selected by the prime minister
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on recommendation of the prime minister and the parliament; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from members of House of Assembly following parliamentary elections
election results: 2024: TEO was the only candidate nominated by the House of Assembly
2019: Kausea NATANO elected prime minister by House of Assembly; House of Assembly vote - 10 to 6
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament (Palamene)
legislative structure: unicameral
chamber name: Parliament of Tuvalu (Palamene o Tuvalu)
number of seats: 16 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 1/26/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 0%
expected date of next election: January 2028
Reference: 2028, 2024legislative structure: unicameral
chamber name: Parliament of Tuvalu (Palamene o Tuvalu)
number of seats: 16 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 1/26/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 0%
expected date of next election: January 2028
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the chief justice and not less than 3 appeals judges); High Court (consists of the chief justice); appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet; judge tenure based on terms of appointment; High Court chief justice appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet; chief justice serves for life; other judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet after consultation with chief justice; judge tenure set by terms of appointment
subordinate courts: magistrates' courts; island courts; land courts
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet; judge tenure based on terms of appointment; High Court chief justice appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet; chief justice serves for life; other judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet after consultation with chief justice; judge tenure set by terms of appointment
subordinate courts: magistrates' courts; island courts; land courts
Political parties
note: no political parties, but members of parliament usually align in informal groupings
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Tapugao FALEFOU (since 19 April 2023); note - also Permanent Representative to UN
chancery: 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1104, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 490-0534
FAX: [1] (212) 808-4975
email address and website: tuvalumission.un@gmail.com
tuvalu.unmission@gov.tv
https://www.un.int/tuvalu/about
note: note: the Tuvalu Permanent Mission to the UN serves as the Embassy
Reference: 2023chancery: 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1104, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 490-0534
FAX: [1] (212) 808-4975
email address and website: tuvalumission.un@gmail.com
tuvalu.unmission@gov.tv
https://www.un.int/tuvalu/about
note: note: the Tuvalu Permanent Mission to the UN serves as the Embassy
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Tuvalu; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tuvalu
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Independence
1 October 1978 (from the UK)
Reference: 1978National holiday
Independence Day, 1 October (1978)
Reference: 1978Flag
description: light blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant; the right half of the flag has nine five-pointed yellow stars
meaning: the stars represent a map of the country, with each symbolizing an atoll in the ocean
meaning: the stars represent a map of the country, with each symbolizing an atoll in the ocean
National symbol(s)
maneapa (native meeting house)
National color(s)
light blue, yellow
National anthem(s)
title: "God Save the King"
lyrics/music: unknown
history: used since 1745
lyrics/music: unknown
history: used since 1745
Government & Official Links
No official institutional links have yet been verified for this country.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Tuvalu | — | 16 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income Pacific island economy; extremely environmentally fragile; currency pegged to Australian dollar; large international aid recipient; subsistence agrarian sector; Te Kakeega sustainable development; domain name licensing incomes
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $57.055 million (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $54.938 million (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021: $54.568 million (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $54.938 million (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021: $54.568 million (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2023: $5,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $5,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2021: $5,400 (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2022: $5,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2021: $5,400 (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 15.9% (2015 est.)
industry: 7% (2015 est.)
services: 70% (2012 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2015, 2012industry: 7% (2015 est.)
services: 70% (2012 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Agricultural products
coconuts, vegetables, tropical fruits, bananas, root vegetables, pork, chicken, eggs, pork fat, pork offal (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
fishing
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 4.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 4.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 4.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 4.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 4.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $87 million (2019 est.)
expenditures: $88 million (2019 est.)
note: note: revenue data include Official Development Assistance from Australia
Reference: 2019expenditures: $88 million (2019 est.)
note: note: revenue data include Official Development Assistance from Australia
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 47.2% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Current account balance
Current account balance 2022: $2.713 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $14.533 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: $8.46 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Current account balance 2021: $14.533 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: $8.46 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2022: $2.232 million (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $2.745 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $3.089 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Exports 2021: $2.745 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $3.089 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Thailand 88%, Japan 6%, Philippines 3%, Ireland 1%, USA 1% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
fish (2023)
note: note: top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000
Reference: 2023note: note: top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000
Imports
Imports 2022: $57.388 million (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $63.962 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $56.947 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Imports 2021: $63.962 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $56.947 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 42%, Fiji 24%, Japan 11%, Australia 11%, NZ 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, iron structures, fish, hand tools (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Tuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 1.515 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 1.505 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 1.442 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 1.331 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 1.453 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 1.515 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 1.505 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 1.442 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 1.331 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 1.453 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2022: $2.713 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $14.533 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: $8.46 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Current account balance 2021: $14.533 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: $8.46 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2022: $2.232 million (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $2.745 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $3.089 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Exports 2021: $2.745 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $3.089 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Thailand 88%, Japan 6%, Philippines 3%, Ireland 1%, USA 1% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
fish (2023)
note: note: top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000
Reference: 2023note: note: top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000
Imports
Imports 2022: $57.388 million (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $63.962 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $56.947 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Imports 2021: $63.962 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $56.947 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 42%, Fiji 24%, Japan 11%, Australia 11%, NZ 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, iron structures, fish, hand tools (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 2,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
170 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 20% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 11.2% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.35 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
51.6% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 32.4% (2025 est.)
male: 46.2% (2025 est.)
female: 18.1% (2025 est.)
male: 46.2% (2025 est.)
female: 18.1% (2025 est.)
Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and local customary law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the chief justice and not less than 3 appeals judges); High Court (consists of the chief justice); appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet; judge tenure based on terms of appointment; High Court chief justice appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet; chief justice serves for life; other judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet after consultation with chief justice; judge tenure set by terms of appointment
subordinate courts: magistrates' courts; island courts; land courts
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet; judge tenure based on terms of appointment; High Court chief justice appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet; chief justice serves for life; other judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet after consultation with chief justice; judge tenure set by terms of appointment
subordinate courts: magistrates' courts; island courts; land courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
no regular military forces; Tuvalu Police Force (2025)
Military - note
as part of the Falepili Union treaty between Australia and Tuvalu, which entered into force in August 2024, Australia committed to assist Tuvalu in response to a major natural disaster, health pandemic, or military aggression; Tuvalu pledged to mutually agree with Australia any partnership, arrangement, or engagement with any other State or entity on security and defense-related matters in Tuvalu
Tuvalu has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Tuvalu's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2024Tuvalu has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Tuvalu's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Tapugao FALEFOU (since 19 April 2023); note - also Permanent Representative to UN
chancery: 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1104, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 490-0534
FAX: [1] (212) 808-4975
email address and website: tuvalumission.un@gmail.com
tuvalu.unmission@gov.tv
https://www.un.int/tuvalu/about
note: note: the Tuvalu Permanent Mission to the UN serves as the Embassy
Reference: 2023chancery: 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1104, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 490-0534
FAX: [1] (212) 808-4975
email address and website: tuvalumission.un@gmail.com
tuvalu.unmission@gov.tv
https://www.un.int/tuvalu/about
note: note: the Tuvalu Permanent Mission to the UN serves as the Embassy
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Tuvalu; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tuvalu
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1978-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 2000-09-05 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
T2
Airports
1 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 270 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 21, container ship 3, general cargo 29, oil tanker 19, other 198
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 21, container ship 3, general cargo 29, oil tanker 19, other 198
Ports
total ports: 1 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Funafuti Atoll
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Funafuti Atoll
Environment
Environmental issues
limited freshwater resources; beach erosion; deforestation; damage to coral reefs; rising sea levels
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
Climate
tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)
Land use
agricultural land: 60% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 60% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
forest: 34.3% (2023 est.)
other: 5.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 0% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 60% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.)
forest: 34.3% (2023 est.)
other: 5.7% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 66.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 2.08% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 2.08% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
6.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 4,000 tons (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 2,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
no TV stations; many households use satellite dishes to watch foreign TV; 1 state-owned radio station, Radio Tuvalu, includes relays from international broadcasters (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.tv
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 10,930 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 10,869 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 10,751 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 10,581 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 10,399 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 10,194 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 9,992 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 9,816 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 9,646 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 9,492 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $41,306,142 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $45,288,858 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $48,026,990 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $53,527,720 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $52,302,515 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $61,597,447 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $54,104,146 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $50,491,931 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $56,752,266 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $57,345,435 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 239 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 246 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1,265 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 1,283 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 1,334 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 1,300 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 1,035 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 1,094 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 1,164 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 1,239 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -200 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -246 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -329 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -343 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -355 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -366 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -320 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -323 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -280 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -255 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,492 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 9,362 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 10,643 | 2022 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 246 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 2.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 1,239 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -255 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 0 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 10 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Male illegal since 1965; Penalty: Up to 14 years imprisonment (Not enforced, Legalization proposed); Yes Female legal; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 2023 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Has no military | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $57,345,435 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $6,041 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 1.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 0.5% | 2011 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 67.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 3.2 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 65.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 35.2% | 2017 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 100.0% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 90.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 12.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 5.2% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 27.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 16.5 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 33.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 98.9 per 100 | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 4.5 per 100 | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 311 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -8.6315° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 179.0896° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -7.4750° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 178.0056° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+12:00, Pacific/Funafuti | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: availability) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:33