Tuvalu, a group of nine atolls and coral islands, is one of the most inaccessible
and unspoiled island groups in the Pacific. Until the 1940s, only eight
of them were inhabited hence its name Tuvalu or 'eight standing together'.
Five of the islands-Funafuti, Nanumea, Nui, Nukufetau, and Nukulaelae-are
atolls (a ring-shaped group of islands surrounding a central lagoon).
The remaining islands-Nanumaga, Niutao, Vaitupu, and Niulakita-are single
islands with smaller lagoons. The main island is Funafuti.
Linguists believe the islands were settled 2000 years ago because of
Lapita pottery found on the islands. The Tuvaluans can trace their genealogies
back about 700 years and believe their early ancestors came by accident,
because of war or famine in their home islands or in search of adventure.
The island gained early renown for the part it played in proving scientist,
Charles Darwin's theory that coral islands were built on slowly subsiding
volcanic rocks. In 1896 and 1897, two parties of scientists travelled
to Funafuti and drilled below the island's surface to gain samples of
the coral rock's core. Their findings supported Darwin's theory.
European
contact with the islands actually began when Spanish explorer Mendana
arrived in 1568 however it wasn't
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Letele, Roshni, Sham, Teleiai Su’a
Edwin, Ruta & Olo Elise on arrival at Faleolo Airport. |
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