Tuvalu

[ too-vuh-loo, too-vah-loo ]

noun

1. a parliamentary state consisting of a group of islands in the central Pacific, south of the equator: a former British colony; gained independence 1978. 10 sq. mi. (26 sq. km). : Funafuti.

Tuvalu

/ ˌtuːvəˈluː /

noun

1. a country in the SW Pacific, comprising a group of nine coral islands: established as a British protectorate in 1892. From 1915 until 1975 the islands formed part of the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands; achieved full independence in 1978; a member of the Commonwealth (formerly a special member not represented at all meetings, until 2000). Languages: English and Tuvaluan. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: Australian dollar; Tuvalu dollars are also used. Capital: Funafuti. Pop: 10 698 (2013 est). Area: 26 sq km (10 sq miles) Former namesLagoon IslandsEllice Islands

Other Words From

• Tu·va·lu·an adjective noun

Example Sentences

In his speech to the COP26 climate summit, Tuvalu foreign minister Simon Kofe showed the world what was at stake if it failed to decarbonize.

From MIT Technology Review

One of the first stops on my journey was Tuvalu, a low-lying coral atoll nation in the South Pacific, 585 miles south of the equator.

From MIT Technology Review

In Tuvalu, there’s a push for resilience projects, but efforts are already underway to guarantee the sovereignty of the nation and its maritime boundaries even if it’s completely engulfed by the ocean.

From Popular-Science

Tuvalu’s plight is an example of the unequal effects of climate change—its residents are facing much harsher consequences of greenhouse gas emissions than others, despite contributing little themselves.

From Popular-Science

Tuvalu representative Simon Kofe delivered a speech to delegates at the United Nations climate talks in Glasgow in a memorable way this week by standing in the rising seawater he was warning the world about.

From Popular-Science

The couple fly home from Tuvalu, where they are completing their royal tour, later today.

From The Daily Beast

William and Kate donned grass skirts and got their funk on in Tuvalu today, on the last day of their royal tour.

From The Daily Beast

The Solomon islands and Tuvalu still count the Queen as head of state.

From The Daily Beast

When the Queen and Prince Philip visited Tuvalu in 1982, Her Majesty was carried ashore in a canoe by locals.

From The Daily Beast