Tuvalu |
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Tuvalu is a Polynesian island nation, situated in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Australia. The nearest islands of Tuvalu are Kiribati, Samoa and Fiji. Tuvalu is consisted of 9 coral atolls, in which 4 are reef islands. Tuvalu is the 3rd least populous country in the world and the 2nd least populated member of the United Nations. It is 4th tiniest nation in the world. The city of Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu. HISTORY:- The Ellice Islands were first inhabited by the Polynesians. In 1892, the islands became British protectorate. In 1915–1916, the islands were annexed by Britain and the British incorporated them into the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony. In 1975, these islands were separated from the Gilbert Islands. In the same year, home rule was granted to the islands. The name was changed from Ellice Islands to Tuvalu. In 1978, Tuvalu gained independence within the Commonwealth. In 1979, four United States islands were incorporated into Tuvalu. GEOGRAPHY:- Tuvalu is located at 8 00 S, 178 00 E in the Oceania. The archipelago comprises 9 coral atolls and spans through 26 sq km area. The coastline is 24 km long along with the South Pacific Ocean. The lowest point is Pacific Ocean (0 m) and the highest point is unnamed location (5 m). The archipelago is formed of very low-lying and narrow coral atolls. CLIMATE:- The climate of Tuvalu is predominantly tropical, moderated by the easterly trade winds (March to November). The westerly gales and heavy rains can be seen from November to March. GOVERNMENT:- Tuvalu has a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The constitution was adopted on 1st October 1978. The three major branches of the government are: Executive branch comprises the Queen Elizabeth II (chief of state), the Prime Minister (head of government), the deputy prime minister, and the cabinet. The Queen is represented by the Governor General. The governor general is appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister. The prime minister and the deputy prime minister are elected by and from among the members of the Parliament. The cabinet ministers are appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister. Legislative branch comprises the unicameral Parliament (15 seats). Judicial branch comprises the High Court with eight Island Courts. Queen Elizabeth II ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS:- There is no administrative divisions of Tuvalu. CULTURE:- Kilikiti, a similar sport like cricket is the traditional sport of Tavula. Fatele is a famous genre of Tuvaluan dance music. fakanu and fakaseasea are the traditional dances of Tuvalu. ECONOMY:- Tuvaluan economy mostly rests on Subsistence farming and fishing. The archipelago is very poor in natural resources. GDP/PPP (2002 est.): $14.94 million; per capita $1,600. Real growth rate: 3% (2006 est.). Inflation: 3.8%. Unemployment: NA. Arable land: 0%. Agriculture: coconuts; fish. Labor force: 3,615 (2004 est.); people make a living mainly through exploitation of the sea, reefs, and atolls and from wages sent home by those working abroad (mostly workers in the phosphate industry and sailors). Industries: Fishing, tourism, copra. Budget: Debt - external: $NA Natural resource: fish. Exports: $1 million f.o.b. (2004 est.): copra, fish. Imports: $31 million c.i.f. (2004 est.): food, animals, mineral fuels, machinery, manufactured goods. Major trading partners: Germany, Fiji, Italy, UK, Poland, Japan, Australia, China, New Zealand (2004). Monetary unit: Australian dollar LANGUAGE:- Tuvaluan and English are the official languages of Tuvalu. Samoan, and Kiribati (on the island of Nui) are also spoken in the island nation. CITIES:- The city of Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu and it is also the largest city of the country. POPULATION:- Tuvalu is a densely populous nation. The estimated population of the archipelago is 11,992 with an average growth rate of 1.5%. RACE:- RELIGION:- HEALTH:- UNICEF:- UNICEF’s Child Protection Programme fights against violence against children. UNICEF and its partners provide psychosocial support to social, environmental or political conflict-affected children. UNICEF’s Adolescent Development and Child Health Programme promotes awareness on HIV among the youth, trains the youth to enhance their skills. Teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and trafficking of children are the major issues with the country. UNICEF supplies vaccines at a low cost. UNICEF partners with civil registrars and health ministries to assist them in birth registration. TRANSPORTATION:- Posted by subhasis on Thursday Aug 21 reply Comments |
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