Trivia in Tuvalu

National symbols

Flag: Navy blue field with Union Jack and nine white stars on right representing nine islands

Emblem: Shield center showing traditional house, sailing canoe, and shells, with banana and coconut above and below, ribbon bearing national motto "Tuvalu mo te Atua"

Trivia & facts

• .tv domain license fees are major national revenue source
• Highest point 5m above sea level, world's second-lowest country
• No military; security maintained by police and coast guard only
• Most roads unpaved coral sand
• Funafuti runway also used by residents for walking and soccer fields
• About 15% of population works as foreign seamen sending remittances
• Traditional ball game "Ano" uses ball woven from palm leaves
• Large family earthen floor "Maneapa" serves as island social center
• In Tuvaluan, Tu means "stand up," Valu means "eight"
• First ATM installed in 2025