Tuvalu is in fourth place among the smallest countries in the world. Not everyone knows about her. In total, 11,000 people live here, settled on 3 islands and 6 atolls. There are also few tourists from other countries. Tuvalu is also interesting because it is the narrowest state.
1. Islands and atolls
From a technical point of view, atolls are also referred to as islands. In reality, these are ring-type formations, coral reefs formed on the hills present on the ocean floor. In total, the country has 26 sq. km of land, while the lagoons in the atolls cover an area of 500 square meters. km. Outwardly, the atolls resemble huge lakes, framed by a narrow strip of land.
The largest of all the islands is Vaitupu, with an area of just over 5 square meters. km. The smallest is Niulakita with an area of 0.42 sq. km. All islands are located at a decent distance from one another. The smallest between Vaitupu and Nukufetau is 67 km. The farthest apart are Vaitupu and Nui. There are 172 km between them.
Tuvalu has no mountains, but there are a lot of beautiful beaches. The highest point is 5 m above sea level. It is surprising that the islands have not yet been flooded, although in this regard, catastrophes have already been observed in 1972. At that time, water washed away almost all structures and even trees from the islands.
Now people live in standard European houses. There are no large cities here. More than 5,000 local people live in the country's capital Funafuti, an atoll with three different villages. Translated from the local Tuvalu means "eight standing together." 8 islands were originally inhabited. Another one, Niulakita, joined them relatively recently. Now people live on it.
2. Politics
Tuvalu is one of those countries (and there were few of them) that recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia (responding to the request of the Russian Federation) as independent states. But in 2014 (now having responded to the request of the Georgian side), she changed her mind.
The year before last, the state government did not take the initiative to create artificial islands, although they could have helped in the "war" with raising the level above the sea. But the idea came from the Chinese, so it was seen as an attempt to reduce the influence of Taiwan-backed here.
In general, the government of the state does not sit still. Tuvalu became a member of the UN, its residents participate in the Summer Olympics, and events and projects related to climate and other changes are never ignored.
3. Money
The country's national currency is the Tuvalu dollar, which is equivalent to the Australian dollar. The currency is issued exclusively in coins. In this regard, people pay with both them and Australian paper dollars. The largest denomination coin is one dollar. There are five, ten and even twenty dollars more, but most likely they go like "anniversary". The obverse of all national coins depicts Elizabeth II (in profile).
4. Natural and climatic metamorphoses
For a small state, the climate and transformations in nature are a serious problem. There is an opinion, and it is quite reasonable, that the entire territory will go under water in a few decades. Presumably, to confront the nature of one of the poorest countries, considerable financial resources are needed. And here one more question arises - why not make money on tourism.
5. Tourism and other income options
In 2016The World Tourism Organization has recognized this state as the most rarely visited. Although in 2012, during a tour of the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia, Prince William and Kate Middleton visited here. Elizabeth II and her husband also visited the islands in their time (1982). But this country did not become more popular in the tourist environment.
But even a small number of tourists per year (about 2,000 people) is over 10% of the country's GDP. With more visits to the islands, the country's economy would improve, but at this stage there is no need to talk about it. The second way to make money is by leasing a.tv (nationally significant domain). The third way to earn money is in the production of postage stamps, which are of great interest to philatelists.
6. Feature of Tuvalu
Until 1974, the country was not an independent state. Until 1978, it was a British colony, and only then did it become independent. But formally, the British queen remains the head today. In 2008, a referendum was held in the country, at which it was decided that the monarchy remained here. And now the state flag includes the flag of Great Britain.
7. Problems of the island
Problems on the island also exist - where can we go without them. At the very beginning of 2010, the water from the ground was no longer suitable for drinking. The islanders were forbidden to take it from the wells for this purpose. The main source of liquid today is rainwater. If a crisis occurs, then drinking water is delivered from the same New Zealand by plane. Desalination plants were also used here.
The ecology also leaves much to be desired. Garbage can lie in large quantities right in residential areas, the banks are littered with waste on both sides.
Continuing the topic, read an equally interesting article, why a country that had existed for more than 100 years was erased from the map of the center of Europe.