Tuvalu 

Introduction

Tuvalu is a group of atolls in the south Pacific. It has a population of 11,992 on a land area of 26 sq km. 

It is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The head of state is HM Queen Elizabeth II represented by the governor-general, who is appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister.  

The head of government is the prime minister. The cabinet is appointed by the governor-general on the recommendation of the prime minister. 

The parliament, Fale I fono, is unicameral and comprises 15 members elected to serve a term of four years. There are eight administrative units. 

No parties operate in Tuvalu, the prime minister being determined by who can command the support of the legislature. .  

Summary

There is one town council on the main island of Funafuti and seven island councils on the other inhabited islands. Each council has six members and provides a limited range of local services. In 2002 it was estimated that there were 1,300 internet users, representing 11 per cent of the population. 

Download full profile of Tuvalu (  87K PDF)