Tuvalu / Place guide
Discover Tuvalu
Tuvalu is a Polynesian Pacific state made up of small islands and atolls. Funafuti provides the capital setting, but is itself an atoll containing several islands. The country’s small land area contrasts with the extensive ocean separating its different parts.
Explore Tuvalu on the OrbiPlace map ↗
Explore Tuvalu
From the Ellice Islands
Historical sources use the name Ellice Islands. Tuvalu became independent in 1978. Its dispersed geography makes individual island names important rather than treating one central point as a conventional national city.
Funafuti, Fongafale and Vaiaku
The largest settlement within Funafuti stands on Fongafale. Vaiaku, a district there, contains important government buildings. Country, atoll, island and district therefore describe separate geographical scales within the same capital setting.
Background source: Tuvalu. Editorial text: OrbiPlace.
Start with the city overview, then zoom in to explore streets and landmarks. The location point does not define municipal boundaries.