West Pacific.

GMT + 12.

26 sq km (10 sq miles).

11,992 (official estimate 2007).

461.2 per sq km.

Funafuti. Population: 6,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Tuvalu (formerly the Ellice Islands) is a scattered group of nine small atolls in the western Pacific Ocean extending about 560km (350 miles) from north to south. Nearest neighbours are Fiji (to the south), Kiribati (north) and the Solomon Islands (west). The main island, Funafuti, is also the capital and lies 1,920km (1,200 miles) north of Suva, Fiji.

Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1978.

HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Filoimea Telito.

Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia since 2006.

Following the resignation of Saufatu Sopoanga, Maatia Toafa won a parliamentary vote in 2004 by eight votes to seven. Apisai Ielemia took office in August 2006 after nearly all the ministers in the previous government were ousted at the ballot box. On taking office, he promised to improve media freedom and accused the previous government of restraining the press. There are no political parties in Tuvalu.

Tuvaluan and English are the main languages.

Approximately 98% Protestant.

220/240 volts AC, 60Hz (Funafuti only).

Traditional values continue to dominate Tuvaluan culture. Footwear should be removed when entering a church, a village meeting house (manepa) or private house. Religion plays an important part in daily life. Sunday is a day of rest and church-going for the locals, when visitors are advised to choose activities which do not cause too much disruption. There are limits imposed on the consumption of alcohol outside licensed premises. Whilst dress is usually casual, it is customary for women to keep their thighs covered and beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. There are procedures which should be followed by those invited to a feast and visitors should take local advice about this and other matters. It is customary not to speak a foreign language in the presence of a person who does not know it, so apparent indications of a desire to hold a private or confidential conversation should be interpreted as simple courtesy to fellow islanders. Visitors are welcome to join in the numerous local festivals and celebrations with feasting and traditional entertainment.