World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Tuvalu
| Publisher | Minority Rights Group International |
| Publication Date | 2007 |
| Cite as | Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Tuvalu, 2007, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4954ce5323.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Comments | In October 2015, MRG revised its World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples. For the most part, overview texts were not themselves updated, but the previous 'Current state of minorities and indigenous peoples' rubric was replaced throughout with links to the relevant minority-specific reports, and a 'Resources' section was added. Refworld entries have been updated accordingly. |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Environment
Tuvalu is one of the smallest independent nations in the world, consisting of nine coral atolls and reef islands stretching over some 590 kilometres of the South Pacific. The islands are considered to be at risk from global warming and sea level rise.
History
Colonised by Britain as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Tuvalu (formerly the Ellice Islands) became independent in 1978, after separation from the Micronesian Gilbert Islands (which became Kiribati).
Peoples
Main languages: Tuvaluan
Main religions: Christianity (Congregational Church of Tuvalu)
The majority of the population of Tuvalu is Polynesian. Other than a small number of expatriate workers, there are few migrants in Tuvalu and no minority populations. There has been substantial migration to the main island, Funafuti, where half the population now live, and recent emigration, especially to New Zealand.
Governance
Tuvalu has a single twelve seat parliament. There are no political parties. The economy is dependent on aid, mostly invested in a Trust Fund, remittances from overseas Tuvaluans and income from its .tv net domain. The effective closure of the Nauru phosphate mine in 2005, the loss of remittances and the return migration of Tuvaluan workers from there put pressure on the economy. Through its maritime school, Tuvalu trains seafarers who work on European shipping lines, and contribute significant remittances to the economy.
Minorities
None listed.
Resources
None listed.
