Geography
Tuvalu consists of a group of nine small islands in the South Pacific: Funafuti, Nanumaya, Nanumea, Niulakita, Niutao, Nui, Nukufetau, Nukulaelae and Vaitupu. The Solomon Islands are west of Tuvalu and Fiji is to the south of the islands.

Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu but the administrative offices are in Vaiaku Village on Fongafale Islet.

The islands are very low-lying coral atolls. Eight of the islands have a lagoon but there are no streams or rivers.

The climate of Tuvalu is tropical.

Environment
The islands are low-lying and there is concern that they may disappear if sea levels rise through global warming.

The island of Funafuti has a Conservation Area which includes the lagoon and surrounding ocean. A variety of fish live in the waters and green turtles nest on the island. Turtles, birds and other wildlife are protected in the Conservation Area.

Architecture
Churches in Tuvalu are among the most interesting examples of architecture on the islands.

Official buildings tend to be modest constructions and have often been provided by organizations in other countries.

Buildings are single or double storey and traditional houses have thatched roofs.

Population
The population of Tuvalu was estimated at 10,544 in July 2011. Most of the people are Polynesians; around four percent are Micronesians.

Languages
Languages spoken on the islands are Tuvaluan, English, Samoan, and Kiribati (island of Nui).

Religion
The majority of the people in Tuvalu are Christians; a large percentage belongs to the Church of Tuvalu.

Food
Taro is the staple food of Tuvalu. Rice is available and breadfruit, plantains and vegetables are cultivated.

Fish supplements the diet. Chickens are kept and pig is roasted for a traditional feast.

Coconuts, bananas, papayas and pandanus fruit are grown.

Non alcoholic drinks include juice, coconut milk and soft drinks.

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