Understanding Tuvalu: Geography, History, and Culture

• Geography
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Understanding Tuvalu: Geography, History, and Culture

What do you already know about Tuvalu?

Location and Geography of Tuvalu

Polynesian island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, midway between Australia and Hawaii. Consists of nine islands, with Funafuti as its capital and largest atoll. Funafuti was previously named Ellice's Island in 1819 by the British who later claimed the island as a British Protectorate. 

What is the capital and largest atoll of Tuvalu?

1. Vaitupu
2. Funafuti
3. Nukufetau
4. Nanumea

Key Definitions

1. Archipelago -  A group of islands closely scattered in a body of water

2. Atoll - A ring-shaped coral reef or a string of closely spaced small coral islands

3. Pulaka - A type of swamp taro grown in artificial pits

History and Independence of Tuvalu

Tuvalu was first inhabited by Polynesians who travelled between Samoa and Tonga as far back as in 2000 BCE. In 1568, the islands were visited by Spanish explorers. In 1978 Tuvalu became independent.

When did Tuvalu become independent?

1. 1978
2. Samoa and Tonga
3. 1568
4. 2000 BCE

Where is Tuvalu?

Tuvalu is located in the South Pacific Ocean in Oceania about half way between Australia and Hawaii.

Tuvalu is an archipelago of nine islands with three reef islands and six atolls. Funafuti is the largest atoll and the capital.

Tuvalu is one of the smallest countries in the world and belongs to Polynesia, which is is a region in Oceania. Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world and the second smallest in Oceania after Nauru.

Where is Tuvalu located?

1. In the North Atlantic Ocean
2. In the Caribbean Sea
3. In the Indian Ocean
4. In the South Pacific Ocean in Oceania

Cultural Significance of Tuvalu's Name

The name 'Tuvalu' comes from the two Polynesian and means 'eight standing together' as only eight of the nine islands are settled by Tuvaluans.  

Environmental Challenges and Climate Change

The highest point in Tuvalu is only about 4.6 metres/ 15 ft high.

The islands are under sever threat to make the islands and atolls inhabitable. Climate change with global rise of the sea levels and rising temperatures are an acute risk to the country.

The climate is tropical and although tropical cyclones are rare, the country suffers from the rise of sea level due to climate change. Six of the islands have lagoons that open up to the ocean, which makes the environment very vulnerable to the sea level rise.

What are the primary environmental challenges faced by Tuvalu?

1. Deforestation and desertification
2. Air pollution and industrial waste
3. Rising sea levels and temperatures
4. Soil erosion and water pollution

Demographics and Lifestyle of Tuvaluans

Tuvalu is home to about 11 000 people. Most of the Tuvaluan people are of Polynesian descent.

About 97% of the Tuvaluans are Christians (Protestants). Tuvaluan children attend school from the age of 6 years to 15 years.

The national languages of Tuvalu are Tuvaluan and English. Tuvaluan is a Polynesian language and only few documents exist in the language which is a minority language and threatened to become extinct.

What are the national languages of Tuvalu?

1. Polynesian and Spanish
2. Tuvaluan and French
3. Tuvaluan and English
4. Polynesian and English

National Anthem and Cultural Identity

The national anthem of Tuvalu is in Tuvaluan and called "Tuvalu me the Atua" which translates to "Tuvalu for the Almighty".

Economic Activities and Income Sources

Most people on the Tuvalu islands work in the fishing industry. Fishing and government services are among the main income sources. The currency of Tuvalu is called Tuvaluan dollar. However, there are no Tuvaluan banknotes, the people use the Australian dollar banknotes, but there are Tuvaluan coins.

The islands are very densely populated and have poor soil. Fishing is the main income source for most people and almost one third of the population live below the poverty line, that means they have less than 1.90 US dollars per day for all their living expenses.

China, Japan, Fiji, Thailand and Indonesia are the main trading partners of Tuvalu.

Which countries are the main trading partners of Tuvalu?

1. China
2. Australia
3. Japan
4. Fiji

What are the main income sources for most people in Tuvalu?

1. Fishing
2. Government services
3. Manufacturing
4. Agriculture

Sports and Traditional Games

The most popular sports in Tuvalu are soccer/ football, volleyball, handball as well as the traditional sports called kilikiti, which is similar to cricket, as well as te ano, which is similar to volleyball.

Currency and Monetary System

The currency of Tuvalu is called Tuvaluan dollar. However, there are no Tuvaluan banknotes, the people use the Australian dollar banknotes, but there are Tuvaluan coins.

Wildlife and Marine Conservation

Lizards, turtles and bats are common animals in Tuvalu.

The marine life includes orcas, whales, dolphins, octopuses and many species of fish, corals, algae and invertebrates.

The Funafuti Marine Conservation Area protects the many marine and plant species living in the lagoon, reef and ocean.

Which animals are common in Tuvalu?

1. Lizards, turtles, bats
2. Algae, invertebrates, whales
3. Octopuses, fish, corals
4. Whales, orcas, dolphins

Cuisine and Traditional Cooking Methods

Typical food in Tuvalu includes tropical fruits and vegetables such as coconut, figs and bananas on the islands. Breadfruit and taro as well as coconut and coconut milk are used in many dishes. Food is mostly steamed or cooked over fire or in an earth oven and rarely fried.

Seafood and fish is commonly eaten while pork is eaten mainly at special events and parties.

Pulaka is a local type of root vegetable grown in the Tuvalu wetlands. Pulaka is similar to taro and toxic if eaten raw, so the 'swamp crop' is always cooked or steamed.

What are some typical food items in Tuvalu?

1. Potatoes
2. Bananas
3. Coconut
4. Figs

Key Definitions

Archipelago, Atoll, Polynesia, Climate Change, Kilikiti, Tuvaluan Dollar, Pulaka, Funafuti Marine Conservation Area

What is Pulaka?

1. A type of swamp taro grown in artificial pits
2. A type of bird
3. A currency
4. A traditional dance

What is an atoll?

1. A freshwater lake
2. A type of mountain
3. A type of forest
4. A ring-shaped coral reef or a string of closely spaced small coral islands

What is an archipelago?

1. A large single island
2. A desert region
3. A group of islands closely scattered in a body of water
4. A type of volcano

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

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Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

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Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.