<p><img src="images/TUVALUflag.png" alt="" width="117" height="58" /></p>
<p>Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is part of the Polynesian sub region located in the Pacific Ocean. The island has a total area of 26 square kilometers. Tuvalu is made up of 3 reef islands and 6 atolls. Tuvalu’s latitude and longitude is 8 degrees 30’S/ 179 degrees 9’ E.</p>
<p>The capital of Tuvalu is Funafuti. English and Tuvaluan are the official languages. The official currencies used in Tuvalu are the Tuvaluan dollar, and the Australian dollar.</p>
<p>                                        <img src="images/tuvaluisland.jpg" alt="" width="585" height="297" /></p>
<p><strong><em>HISTORY</em></strong></p>
<p>The first settlers of Tuvalu are Polynesians that migrated from Samoa and Tonga about 3000 years ago. Tuvalu became a British protectorate on October 1892, and later became fully independent within the commonwealth on October 1978.  From 1947 to 1983, some Tuvaluans migrated to Kioa Island in Fiji; in 2005 they were given Fijian citizenship.</p>
<p>                                                   <img src="images/tuvaluhistory.jpg" alt="" width="524" height="292" /></p>
<p><strong><em>RELIGION</em></strong></p>
<p>The Church of Tuvalu or Ekalesia Kilisiano Tuvalu is the biggest Christian denomination, affiliating 97% of the population. Other religion practices include: Seventh-day Adventist, Baha’i, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim religion.</p>
<p>                                                                           <img src="images/churchtuvalu.jpg" alt="" width="375" height="296" /></p>
<p><strong><em>HEALTH</em></strong></p>
<p>Tuvalu’s sole hospital is the Princess Margaret Hospital located in Funafuti.  Obesity is the major health issue in the island.</p>
<p>                                                                 <img src="images/hospitaltuvalu.jpg" alt="" width="413" height="302" /></p>
<p><strong><em>EDUCATION</em></strong></p>
<p>There is free and compulsory education between ages 5 to 15 years, with each island having a primary school.  There is a high literacy rate with adults at 99%. </p>
<p>                                                   <img src="images/educatetuvalu.jpg" alt="" width="498" height="250" /></p>
<p><strong><em>CULTURE</em></strong></p>
<p>Traditional structures of Tuvalu are made from plants and trees. Tuvaluan’s artistry is evident with its handicrafts and clothing. Also traditional artifacts represent the Tuvaluan art and designs.</p>
<p>Dance and Music are a part of the culture from previous generations co-existing with contemporary.</p>
<p>   <img src="images/peopletuvalu.jpg" alt="" width="380" height="249" />      <img src="images/peopletuvaluculture.jpg" alt="" width="367" height="231" /></p>