Tuvalu OVERVIEW
A South Sea paradise of palm-fringed coral islands barely surfacing the ocean waters, peaceful life somewhere among thatched cottages and a totally laidback pace defined by coconuts dropping to the ground and waves crashing against the sandy shores, Tuvalu is the world's fourth-smallest country with just 26 square kilometers and the most isolated independent nation. Internationally, Tuvalu is best associated with its Internet address, .tv, and its insecure existence threatened by global warming.
The country comprises a cluster of nine islands, known during British colonial times as the Ellice Islands, with most of the activity centered around the Funafuti capital city and its greatest natural landmark, the enormous Funafuti Lagoon - a 14 kilometers wide and 18 kilometers long water fun paradise of awesome swimming, boating and snorkeling. The scenic marine environment of vast ocean expanse interspersed with breathtaking lagoons, coral reefs and atolls fills the place with a unique South Sea ambience. Unfortunately for the islands' economics, the distant location and high airfares limit the number of tourists to just a few dozens a year, insufficient to fuel the nation's budget significantly. The land has in fact no natural resources and its income is based primarily on foreign aid, mainly the Tuvalu Trust Fund, and government revenue coming from the sale of stamps and coins, fishing licenses and worker remittances sent to their families. Pity, as these idyllic and unspoiled corners of the Pacific, particularly the stunning Nukufetau and Nukulaelae, deserve glossy tourist brochures and more holidaymakers basking in the non-commercialized coconut palm shade.
Time does certainly not fly here. Instead, it rather leisurely strolls from day to day seeking retreat from the unbearable heat in the shade of palm trees. Apart from Fongafale, where the civilization of cars and high-tech gadgetry gradually raises its head and makes the existence a bit faster, you won't find any of the hustle and bustle so typical of modern times.
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