TUVALU

Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean midway between Hawaii and Australia. Its nearest neighbours are Kiribati, Samoa and Fiji.

Location

Oceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia.

Capital

No official capital

Climate

Tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March).

Language

Tuvaluan, English, Samoan, Kiribati (on the island of Nui).

Monetary Unit

Australian dollar (AUD); Also there is a Tuvaluan dollar