Overview

Tuvalu is a group of islands that are located in the South Pacific region, midway between the countries of Hawaii and Australia. Together, they form the fourth smallest country in the entire world. The islands of Tuvalu, previously known as the Ellice Islands, gained independence from the Micronesians of the Gilbert Islands in 1974, when ethnic differences within the Gilbert and Ellice Islands and the British Colony stirred the Polynesians of the Ellice Islands to vote for separation. It took almost a year for Tuvalu to be formed after the separation from the Ellice Islands. Hence, the Islands are said to have gained independence in the truest sense only in the year 1978. Tuvalu had to negotiate a contract to lease its Internet domain name "tv" for $50 million dollars in royalties in the year 2000 and is still working to pay off the royalties.

Activities & Attractions

Tuvalu offers a variety of interesting attractions and activities in spite of the fact that the islands have no mountains and waterfalls. Most of its attractions are based on nature and handicrafts. You will not find large scale tourist attractions in this small group of islands, but what you have a splendid National Library, a Marine Conservation Area, where visitors can learn about the marine animals native to Tuvalu, and a number of craft and handicraft centers, including the Tuvalu Women's Handicraft Centre and the Funafuti Women's Craft Center. A popular activity for visitors to the islands of Tuvalu is to rent a motorcycle or motorbike and tour almost everything the islands have to offer. There are also numerous boat tours that bank on the fact that each of the islands offers a unique culture as well as plenty of attractions and activities to take part in. Funafuti, the capital of Tuvalu, is also home to an extension center for the South Pacific University. You can also visit the Tuvalu Marine School, which trains Tuvaluan mariners on how to work on foreign ships.

Large gothic style churches, a few archeological sites, relics from World War II, lovely lagoons fringed by sandbars, reefs, and islets add to the beauty of Tuvala.

Lodging

There is only a single hotel in the entire country of Tuvalu. This is a totally remodeled, state-owned hotel known as the Vaiaku Lagi Hotel, which is located in the city of Funafuti. People here do not see the need for numerous hotels scattered throughout the country owing to the fact that Tuvalu is a group of a few small islands, each of which can be easily reached via boats.

Transportation

There is only a single main road for transportation even in the capital Funafuti. Busses, taxis, and other motor vehicles are the ideal means of travel. There is also a single runway in Funafuti, and when landings are not scheduled, this runway serves as a platform for other functions, including recreational purposes. Tuvalu is a group of islands, so boats are also an important mode of transportation from one place to another. Boats can be rented, though there are also boating services that ferry people from one place to another.