Culture and history

Tuvalu's culture is insular and communal.

The heart of each settlement is maneapa, where families gather, discuss business and spend holidays.

Living traditions - fatele dance with choral singing and rhythmic pops, building outrigger canoes, weaving from pandan, growing pulaka (swamp taro) and using coconut palm in everything from cuisine to crafts.

Languages ​ ​ - Tuvaluan and English; Christianity, which came with the missionaries of the 19th century, intertwined with local customs and norms of community governance (falekaupule).

Historically, the islands were part of the British protectorate of Gilbert and Ellice Islands; after the 1974 referendum, the Tuvaluan part seceded, and on October 1, 1978, the country became independent.

In 1942-1943 Funafuti Atoll served as an Allied airfield in the Pacific Campaign, which left a mark on memory and infrastructure.

The modern agenda combines the preservation of language and customs, support for the diaspora and adaptation to rising sea levels, where community solidarity remains the main pillar.