History of Tuvalu in Timeline

Tuvalu is a Polynesian island country situated in the Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia. Its location places it east-northeast of the Santa Cruz Islands, northeast of Vanuatu, southeast of Nauru, south of Kiribati, west of Tokelau, northwest of Samoa and Wallis and Futuna, and north of Fiji. As a small island nation, Tuvalu faces significant challenges related to rising sea levels and climate change.

1900: Publication of Funafuti Descriptions in Memoir III

Between 1896 and 1900, descriptions of invertebrate and ethnological objects collected by Charles Hedley during his stay on Funafuti were published in Memoir III of the Australian Museum Sydney. In 1900 Hedley also wrote the General Account of the Atoll of Funafuti, The Ethnology of Funafuti, and The Mollusca of Funafuti.

1900: Harry Clifford Fassett's Visit to Funafuti

In 1900, Harry Clifford Fassett, captain's clerk and photographer, documented people, communities, and scenes at Funafuti during a visit by the USFC Albatross, which was investigating coral reef formation.

1909: End of resident palagi traders

By 1909, there were no more resident palagi traders representing the trading companies in Tuvalu, although some remained in the islands until their deaths.

1916: Administration as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony

From 1916, the Ellice Islands were managed as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony.

1916: End of BWPT administration

In 1916, the administration of the British Western Pacific Territories (BWPT) ended, and the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony was established.

October 1942: US Marine Corps landed on Funafuti

On 2 October 1942, the United States Marine Corps landed on Funafuti during the Second World War.

November 1942: Naval Base Funafuti Established

From 2 November 1942, USN Patrol Torpedo Boats (PTs) and seaplanes were based at Naval Base Funafuti.

August 1943: US Marine Corps Landings on Nanumea and Nukufetau

In August 1943, the United States Marine Corps landed on Nanumea and Nukufetau during the Second World War.

November 1943: Preparation for Battles of Tarawa and Makin

In November 1943, the atolls of Tuvalu acted as staging posts during the preparation for the Battle of Tarawa and the Battle of Makin, which were part of "Operation Galvanic."

May 1944: End of USN operations at Naval Base Funafuti

On 11 May 1944, USN Patrol Torpedo Boats (PTs) and seaplanes ceased operations at Naval Base Funafuti.

1947: Migration to Kioa Begins

From 1947 to 1983, a number of Tuvaluans from Vaitupu migrated to Kioa, an island in Fiji.

1951: Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees

In 2013, a claim from a Kiribati man for being a "climate change refugee" was found to be not applicable under the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (1951).

1966: Adoption of the Australian dollar

In 1966, the Australian dollar was adopted in Tuvalu.

1966: Minimum Age for Paid Employment

The Tuvaluan Employment Ordinance of 1966 sets the minimum age for paid employment at 14 years and prohibits children under the age of 15 from performing hazardous work.

1971: Study on land area changes

In 1971, a study estimated the change in land area of Tuvalu's atolls between 1971 and 2014.

October 1972: Cyclone Bebe submerged Funafuti

In October 1972, Cyclone Bebe submerged Funafuti, eliminating 95% of structures on the island and causing 6 fatalities. Sources of drinking water were contaminated.

1974: Creation of the British colony of Tuvalu

From 1974 (the creation of the British colony of Tuvalu) until independence, the legislative body of Tuvalu was called the House of the Assembly or Fale I Fono.

1974: Introduction of Ministerial Government

In 1974, a ministerial government was introduced to the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony following a general election and a referendum to determine separate administrations.

1974: Referendum held in Gilbert and Ellice Islands

In 1974, a referendum was held to determine whether the Gilbert Islands and Ellice Islands should have separate administrations.

October 1975: Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony legally ceased to exist

On 1 October 1975, the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony legally ceased to exist.

October 1975: Tuvalu Recognized as a Separate Crown Colony

On 1 October 1975, the Tuvaluan Order 1975 recognized Tuvalu as a separate Crown Colony with its own government.

1975: End of management as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony

In 1975, the Ellice Islands ceased to be managed as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony.

January 1976: Snow White dubbed into Tuvaluan

In January 1976, Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" became the first movie to be dubbed into Tuvaluan and released in Tuvalu.

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January 1976: Separate Administrations Created

On 1 January 1976, separate administrations were created out of the civil service of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony.

January 1976: Official separation of administrations

On 1 January 1976, the administration of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands was officially separated, forming the British colonies of Kiribati and Tuvalu.

1976: Adoption of Tuvaluan dollar

In 1976, Tuvalu adopted the Tuvaluan dollar, which circulates alongside the Australian dollar.

August 1977: Elections to the House of Assembly of the British Colony of Tuvalu

On 27 August 1977, elections to the House of Assembly of the British Colony of Tuvalu were held.

October 1977: Toaripi Lauti appointed chief minister

On 1 October 1977, Toaripi Lauti was appointed chief minister in the House of Assembly of the Colony of Tuvalu.

July 1978: Dissolution of the House of Assembly

In July 1978, the House of Assembly was dissolved, with Toaripi Lauti's government continuing as a caretaker government.

October 1978: House of Assembly renamed to Parliament of Tuvalu

In October 1978, following independence, the House of the Assembly was renamed the Parliament of Tuvalu or Palamene o Tuvalu.

October 1978: Toaripi Lauti becomes first prime minister

On 1 October 1978, Toaripi Lauti became the first prime minister of Tuvalu, marking the country's independence.

October 1978: Tuvalu becomes fully independent

On 1 October 1978, Tuvalu became fully independent as a sovereign state within the Commonwealth, with King Charles III as King of Tuvalu.

1978: Tuvalu first participated in the Pacific Games

In 1978, Tuvalu first participated in the Pacific Games.

1979: Tepuka Vili Vili islet devastated by Cyclone Meli

In 1979, Funafuti's Tepuka Vili Vili islet was devastated by Cyclone Meli, with all its vegetation and most of its sand swept away.

1980: Identification of Niutao as El Gran Cocal

In 1980, Keith S. Chambers and Doug Munro identified Niutao as the island that Francisco Mourelle de la Rúa sailed past on 5 May 1781, solving what Europeans had called The Mystery of Gran Cocal.

1981: Elections held

In 1981, elections were held after the House of Assembly was dissolved in July 1978.

October 1982: Queen Elizabeth II's royal tour

On 26 October 1982, Queen Elizabeth II made a special royal tour to Tuvalu.

1983: Migration to Kioa Ends

From 1947 to 1983, a number of Tuvaluans from Vaitupu migrated to Kioa, an island in Fiji.

1983: Treaty of Friendship Ratified

In 1983, the US Senate ratified a treaty of friendship with Tuvalu, renouncing prior territorial claims to four Tuvaluan islands under the Guano Islands Act of 1856.

1986: Referendum seeking to abolish the monarchy

In 1986, a referendum was carried out seeking to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic, but the monarchy was retained.

1987: Establishment of the Tuvalu Trust Fund

In 1987, the Tuvalu Trust Fund (TTF) was established by the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand as a sovereign wealth fund owned by Tuvalu but administered by an international board and the government of Tuvalu.

1988: South Pacific Tuna Treaty in Force

In 1988, the South Pacific Tuna Treaty (SPTT) entered into force, with the Tuvaluan government, the US government, and other Pacific island governments as parties.

1989: Manaui procured through JICA

In 1989, the Manaui vessel was procured for the Tuvalu Fisheries Department through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

1989: Nivaga II in service in Tuvalu

Nivaga II had been in service in Tuvalu from 1989 until it was replaced by Nivaga III in 2015.

1992: Tuvalu signs Convention on Biological Diversity

In 1992, Tuvalu signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

1993: Membership in Asian Development Bank

In 1993, Tuvalu became a member of the Asian Development Bank.

1993: Installation of Aquatrak acoustic gauge

In 1993, a modern Aquatrak acoustic gauge was installed by the Australian National Tidal Facility (NTF) as part of the AusAID-sponsored South Pacific Sea Level and Climate Monitoring Project.

1994: Patrol Boat Provided by Australia

From 1994 to 2019 Tuvalu policed its exclusive economic zone with the Pacific-class patrol boat HMTSS Te Mataili, provided by Australia.

1996: Tuvalu was one of the best-performing Pacific Island economies

From 1996, Tuvalu was one of the best-performing Pacific Island economies and achieved an average real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 5.6% per annum until 2002.

1996: Cyclone Gavin affected Tuvalu

In 1996, Cyclone Gavin was first identified and was the first of three tropical cyclones to affect Tuvalu during the 1996–97 cyclone season.

1996: Construction of a pond for aquaculture

In 1996, a 1560-square-metre pond was built on Vaitupu to sustain aquaculture in Tuvalu.

March 1997: Cyclone Gavin affected Tuvalu

In March 1997, Cyclone Gavin was first identified and was the first of three tropical cyclones to affect Tuvalu during the 1996–97 cyclone season.

October 1997: EIF established under the auspices of the World Trade Organisation

In October 1997, the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries (EIF) was established under the auspices of the World Trade Organisation, and Tuvalu participates in this program.

1997: Falekaupule Act Passed

In 1997, the Falekaupule Act was passed, sharing the powers and functions of the Falekaupule with the pule o kaupule, a village president elected on each atoll.

1998: Tuvalu first participated in the Commonwealth Games

In 1998, Tuvalu first participated in the Commonwealth Games, held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with a weightlifter attending the games.

1998: Reef damage during El Niño events

In 1998, the reefs at Funafuti suffered damage during the El Niño events, with an average of 70% of the Staghorn (Acropora spp.) corals becoming bleached due to increased ocean temperatures.

1999: Payment from the South Pacific Tuna Treaty

In 1999, the payment from the South Pacific Tuna Treaty (SPTT) was about $9 million, with the value increasing in the following years.

September 2000: Tuvalu joins the United Nations

On 5 September 2000, Tuvalu became the 189th member of the United Nations.

2000: UN Mission Established

In 2000, Tuvalu established a mission at the United Nations in New York City.

2001: Pacific Access Category Introduced

In 2001, New Zealand announced the Pacific Access Category, providing an annual quota of 75 work permits for Tuvaluans.

2001: School Attendance

In 2001, required attendance at school was 10 years for males and 11 years for females.

2001: Reef damage during El Niño events

In 2001, the reefs at Funafuti suffered damage during the El Niño events, with an average of 70% of the Staghorn (Acropora spp.) corals becoming bleached due to increased ocean temperatures.

December 2002: Ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity

In December 2002, Tuvalu ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

2002: Economic growth slowed after 2002

After 2002, economic growth slowed in Tuvalu.

2002: Earth Summit in Johannesburg

At the 2002 Earth Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuvalu promoted concerns about global warming and sea-level rise.

2002: Conclusions on sea level change

In 2002, conclusions were made from the available data reflecting the degree of uncertainty as to estimates of sea level change relative to the islands of Tuvalu.

2002: Adult Literacy Rate

In 2002, the adult literacy rate in Tuvalu was 99.0%.

2002: Streets of Funafuti were paved

In mid-2002, the streets of Funafuti were paved.

2002: Population Census

The population at the 2002 census was 9,561.

2002: Tuvalu at the 2002 Commonwealth Games

Two table tennis players from Tuvalu attended the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England.

2005: Settlers Granted Fijian Citizenship

In 2005, the settlers from Tuvalu who had migrated to Kioa, an island in Fiji, were granted Fijian citizenship.

February 2006: Highest peak tide recorded

In February 2006, the Tuvalu Meteorological Service recorded a peak tide of 3.4 metres (11 ft).

2006: Tuvalu at the 2006 Commonwealth Games

At the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, Tuvalu entered competitors in shooting, table tennis, and weightlifting.

2006: Pacific Regional Trade and Development Facility Originated

In 2006, the Pacific Regional Trade and Development Facility originated in the context of negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Pacific ACP States and the European Union.

July 2007: TASNOC Recognized as a National Olympic Committee

In July 2007, the Tuvalu Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (TASNOC) was recognized as a National Olympic Committee.

2007: Number of female magistrates in the Island Courts

As of 2007, there were 7 female magistrates in the Island Courts of Tuvalu.

2007: Recognised Seasonal Employer Work Policy Introduced

In 2007, the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Policy was introduced in New Zealand, allowing for employment of up to 5,000 workers from Tuvalu and other Pacific islands in the horticulture and viticulture industries.

2008: Referendum seeking to abolish the monarchy

In 2008, a referendum was carried out seeking to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic, but the monarchy was retained.

2008: IMF assessed the economy of Tuvalu

On August 5, 2012, the executive board of the IMF concluded the Article IV consultation with Tuvalu, and assessed the economy of Tuvalu, it was stated that a slow recovery was underway in Tuvalu, but there were important risks and in 2008 GDP growth was 1.5%.

2008: Tuvalu Games held yearly since 2008

Since 2008, the Tuvalu Games have been held yearly and are considered the most important sports event within the country.

2008: Tuvalu entered the Olympic Games for the first time

Tuvalu entered the Olympic Games for the first time at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China, with a weightlifter and two athletes in the men's and women's 100 metres sprint.

2008: GDP growth of 1.5% in 2008

Tuvalu experienced a GDP growth of 1.5% in 2008. Also in 2008, Tuvalu was exposed to rapid rises in world prices of fuel and food, with the level of inflation peaking at 13.4%.

December 2009: Tuvalu Stalled Climate Talks

In December 2009, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Tuvalu stalled talks on climate change, concerned that some developing countries were not fully committing to binding deals on reducing carbon emissions.

2009: Tuvalu Participated in the men's and women's 100 metres sprint at the World Championships in Athletics

From 2009, Tuvaluan athletes have participated in the men's and women's 100 metres sprint at the World Championships in Athletics.

2009: Waste Operations and Services Act of 2009

In 2009, the Waste Operations and Services Act of 2009 provided the legal framework for waste management and pollution control projects funded by the European Union.

2009: Economy contracted by about 2% in 2009

The IMP 2010 Report on Tuvalu estimates that Tuvalu experienced zero growth in its 2010 GDP, after the economy contracted by about 2% in 2009.

May 2010: Tuvalu Marine Life study

In May 2010, surveys of reef habitats of Nanumea, Nukulaelae and Funafuti were carried out and during this Tuvalu Marine Life study, a total of 317 fish species were recorded. The surveys identified 66 species that had not previously been recorded in Tuvalu.

June 2010: Tuvalu joined the International Monetary Fund

On June 24, 2010, Tuvalu joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

2010: Membership in World Bank

In 2010, Tuvalu became a member of the World Bank.

2010: Student and Teacher Statistics

In 2010, there were 1,918 students taught by 109 teachers in Tuvalu.

2010: Tuvalu at the 2010 Commonwealth Games

In 2010, three athletes from Tuvalu participated in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, entering the discus, shot put, and weightlifting events.

2010: Visitor Statistics for 2010

In 2010, visitors to Tuvalu totalled 1,684: 65% were on business, development officials or technical consultants, 20% were tourists (360 people), and 11% were expatriates returning to visit family.

2011: GDP grew in 2011 for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis

GDP grew in 2011 for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis, led by the private retail sector and education spending.

2011: Disney's Winnie the Pooh Movie

In 2011, Disney's Winnie the Pooh movie was dubbed into Tuvaluan. Songs in animated movies are usually left in English or the original language of the movie with Tuvaluan subtitles.

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2011: Japanese government financial support

In 2011, the Japanese government provided financial support to construct a new AM broadcast studio, which allowed Radio Tuvalu to be heard on all nine islands of Tuvalu.

2011: Pacific Climate Change Science Program report

In 2011, the report of the Pacific Climate Change Science Program published by the Australian Government, concludes that sea-level rise near Tuvalu measured by satellite altimeters since 1993 is about 5 mm (0.2 in) per year.

July 2012: United Nations Special Rapporteur called on Tuvalu to develop a national water strategy

In July 2012, a United Nations Special Rapporteur urged the Tuvalu Government to develop a national water strategy to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

August 2012: IMF Article IV consultation with Tuvalu

On August 5, 2012, the executive board of the IMF concluded the Article IV consultation with Tuvalu, and assessed the economy of Tuvalu.

September 2012: Visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

In September 2012, the fatele dance, in its modern form, was performed at community events to celebrate leaders and other prominent individuals, such as during the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

2012: Tuvalu at the 2012 Summer Olympics

In 2012, a team with athletes in the same events represented Tuvalu at the Summer Olympics.

May 2013: Agreement to extend the Multilateral Fisheries Treaty

In May 2013, representatives from the United States and the Pacific Islands countries agreed to sign interim arrangement documents to extend the Multilateral Fisheries Treaty (which encompasses the South Pacific Tuna Treaty) for 18 months.

July 2013: MOU Signed for Pacific Regional Trade and Development Facility

In July 2013, Tuvalu signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish the Pacific Regional Trade and Development Facility.

September 2013: Majuro Declaration Signed

On September 5, 2013, Tuvalu signed the Majuro Declaration, committing to 100% renewable energy generation between 2013 and 2020, using Solar PV (95%) and biodiesel (5%).

2013: Climate Change Refugee Claim Determined Untenable

In 2013 a claim of a Kiribati man of being a "climate change refugee" under the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (1951) was determined by the New Zealand High Court to be untenable.

2013: Tuau Lapua Lapua won Tuvalu's first gold medal

In 2013, Tuau Lapua Lapua won Tuvalu's first gold medal in an international competition at the Pacific Mini Games, achieving this in the weightlifting 62 kilogram male snatch.

2013: Tuvalu deferred its graduation from least developed country status

In 2013, Tuvalu deferred its graduation from least developed country (LDC) status to a developing country to 2015 to maintain access to the funds provided by the United Nations's National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA).

2013: Environment Protection (Litter and Waste Control) Regulation 2013

In 2013, the Environment Protection (Litter and Waste Control) Regulation 2013 was introduced to improve the management of the importation of non-biodegradable materials.

2014: Study on land area changes

In 2014, a study estimated the change in land area of Tuvalu's atolls between 1971 and 2014.

2014: Tuvalu at the 2014 Commonwealth Games

In 2014, a team of 3 weightlifters and 2 table tennis players from Tuvalu attended the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

2014: Immigration Appeal on Climate Change Grounds

In 2014, attention was drawn to an appeal to the New Zealand Immigration and Protection Tribunal against the deportation of a Tuvaluan family on the basis that they were "climate change refugees."

2014: Approval of Tuvalu Borrow Pits Remediation project

In 2014, the Tuvalu Borrow Pits Remediation (BPR) project was approved, to fill 10 borrow pits with sand from the lagoon, funded by the New Zealand Government.

2014: IMF 2014 Country Report

The IMF 2014 Country Report noted that real GDP growth in Tuvalu had been volatile averaging only 1 per cent in the past decade. The 2014 Country Report describes economic growth prospects as generally positive as the result of large revenues from fishing licences, together with substantial foreign aid.

February 2015: Highest peak tide recorded

In February 2015, the Tuvalu Meteorological Service recorded a peak tide of 3.4 metres (11 ft).

March 2015: Cyclone Pam caused damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure

In March 2015, the winds and storm surge created by Cyclone Pam resulted in waves breaking over the reefs of the outer islands, causing damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, leading to a state of emergency.

2015: Tuvalu deferred its graduation from least developed country status to 2015

In 2013, Tuvalu deferred its graduation from least developed country (LDC) status to a developing country to 2015.

2015: Nivaga III replaced Nivaga II

In 2015, Nivaga III replaced Nivaga II, which had been in service in Tuvalu from 1989.

2015: Telupe Iosefa received the first gold medal won by Tuvalu at the Pacific Games

In 2015, Telupe Iosefa received the first gold medal won by Tuvalu at the Pacific Games in the powerlifting 120 kg male division.

2015: Tuna Fishing Deal Settled

In 2015, Tuvalu and other members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the United States settled a tuna fishing deal for 2015, which was an extension of the Nauru Agreement. Also in 2015, Tuvalu refused to sell fishing days to certain nations and fleets that have blocked Tuvaluan initiatives to develop and sustain their own fishery.

2015: Exhibition of the art of Tuvalu

In 2015, an exhibition was held on Funafuti featuring the art of Tuvalu. The artwork addressed climate change from the perspectives of artists and showcased 'Kope ote olaga' (possessions of life), which displayed various artifacts of Tuvalu culture.

2015: Implementation of Borrow Pits Remediation Project

In 2015, the Tuvalu Borrow Pits Remediation (BPR) project was carried out, with 365,000 sqm of sand dredged from the lagoon to fill the holes and improve living conditions on the island.

2015: UNDP assistance to acquire Tala Moana

In 2015, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) provided assistance to Tuvalu to acquire the Tala Moana vessel, which is used for fisheries research and Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) patrols.

February 2016: Joined Pacific Islands Development Forum

On 18 February 2016, Tuvalu signed the Pacific Islands Development Forum Charter and formally joined the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF).

2016: Tuvalu at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Etimoni Timuani was the sole representative of Tuvalu at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the 100m event.

2016: Launch of Te Kakeega III - National Strategy for Sustainable Development-2016-2020

In 2016, Tuvalu launched Te Kakeega III – National Strategy for Sustainable Development-2016-2020 (TK III).

2016: Warning system introduced using Iridium satellite network

In 2016, a warning system using the Iridium satellite network was introduced to allow outlying islands to be better prepared for natural disasters.

2016: Attention to WCPF Convention Article 30

In 2016, the Minister of Natural Resources drew attention to Article 30 of the WCPF Convention, highlighting the collective obligation of members to consider the disproportionate burden that management measures might place on small-island developing states.

2016: Leading Causes of Death

In 2016, the majority of deaths in Tuvalu resulted from cardiac diseases, with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and cerebral-vascular disease among the other causes of death.

2016: Visitor Statistics for 2016

In 2016, the number of visitors to Tuvalu had increased to 2,000.

May 2017: High Level Political Dialogue with the European Union

On 31 May 2017, the first enhanced High Level Political Dialogue between Tuvalu and the European Union under the Cotonou Agreement was held in Funafuti.

June 2017: Signed Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations

In June 2017, Tuvalu signed the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER).

2017: Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) launched

In 2017, the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) was launched to enhance the resilience of the islands of Tuvalu against higher sea levels.

2017: Population Census

The population at the 2017 census was 10,645.

2018: Life Expectancy and Population Growth Rate

As of 2018, life expectancy for women in Tuvalu is 70.2 years and 65.6 years for men. The country's population growth rate is 0.86%, and the net migration rate is estimated at −6.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population.

2018: Australian High Commission Established

In 2018, Australia established a High Commission in Tuvalu, marking closer relations between the two countries.

2018: Report on Rising Sea Levels

In 2018, a report stated that rising sea levels create an increased transfer of wave energy across reef surfaces, shifting sand and resulting in accretion to island shorelines, although the Tuvalu Prime Minister objected to its implications and neglect of issues like saltwater intrusion.

2018: Study on land area changes

In 2018, a study estimated the change in land area of Tuvalu's atolls between 1971 and 2014.

2018: Strategic plan for Tuvalu National Cultural Centre and Museum

In 2018, the creation of a Tuvalu National Cultural Centre and Museum was included as part of the government's strategic plan for 2018–24.

2019: Guardian-class Patrol Boat Gifted

In 2019, Australia gifted a Guardian-class patrol boat named HMTSS Te Mataili II to Tuvalu as a replacement for the Pacific-class patrol boat. It is meant for use in maritime surveillance, fishery patrol and for search-and-rescue missions.

2019: Real gross domestic product growth falling from 13.8% in 2019

In 2019, real gross domestic product growth was 13.8%.

July 2020: Agreement with Kacific Broadband Satellites

In July 2020, the Government of Tuvalu signed a five-year agreement with Kacific Broadband Satellites to supply Tuvalu with internet via sixty 1.2 metre VSAT satellite receivers.

2020: Renewable energy target year

By 2020, Tuvalu committed to implement power generation of 100% renewable energy, primarily using Solar PV (95% of demand) and biodiesel (5% of demand), as per the Majuro Declaration signed on September 5, 2013.

2020: Cyclone Tino impacted Tuvalu

In 2020, Cyclone Tino and its associated convergence zone impacted the whole of Tuvalu between January 16-19, despite passing over 500 km to the south of the island nation.

2020: Launch of Te Kakeega III - National Strategy for Sustainable Development-2016-2020

In 2020, Tuvalu launched Te Kakeega III – National Strategy for Sustainable Development-2016-2020 (TK III).

2020: Real gross domestic product growth falling to -4.3 percent in 2020

In 2020, real gross domestic product growth fell to -4.3 percent

2020: Government purchased a landing barge

In 2020, the government of Tuvalu purchased a landing barge, named Moeiteava, which is intended to transport of dangerous goods and building material from the capital to the outer islands with financial assistance from the government of Taiwan.

2020: Tuvalu at the 2020 Summer Olympics

Karalo Maibuca and Matie Stanley represented Tuvalu at the 2020 Summer Olympics in the 100m events.

2020: Population Evaluation

The most recent evaluation in 2020 puts the population at 11,342.

2021: Market value of the TTF rose by 12 percent

In 2021 the market value of the TTF rose by 12 percent to its highest level on record (261 percent of GDP).

2021: Real gross domestic product growth recovered to 1.8% in 2021

In 2021, real gross domestic product growth recovered to 1.8%.

2021: Launch of Te Kete - National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2021-2030

In 2021, the national strategy plan Te Kete - National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 sets out the development agenda of the Government of Tuvalu.

2021: Verisign managed the ".tv" internet domain name until 2021

Until 2021, Verisign managed the ".tv" internet domain name for Tuvalu.

January 2022: Ratified the PACER Agreement

In January 2022, Tuvalu ratified the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) designed to reduce trade barriers between signatories.

February 2022: Kacific and ABS satellites provided combined capacity

By February 2022, Kacific and Agility Beyond Space (ABS) satellites provided the island with a combined capacity of 510 Mbit/s.

November 2022: Tuvalu to upload itself to the metaverse

In November 2022, Simon Kofe announced that Tuvalu would upload a virtual version of itself to the metaverse to preserve its history and culture in response to rising sea levels.

November 2022: Tuvalu announces plans for digital replica in metaverse

On 15 November 2022, Tuvalu announced plans to build a self-digital replica in the metaverse to preserve its cultural heritage, amidst sea level rises.

December 2022: Funafuti reclamation project commenced

In December 2022, the Funafuti reclamation project commenced as part of the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, involving dredging sand from the lagoon to construct a platform on Fongafale islet.

December 2022: Work commenced on the Funafuti reclamation project

In December 2022, work commenced on the Funafuti reclamation project as part of the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP), involving dredging sand from the lagoon to construct a platform on Funafuti.

2022: Congregational Christian Church Adherents

In 2022 census, adherents to the Congregational Christian Church of Tuvalu comprised about 86% of the 10,632 inhabitants of the archipelago.

2022: Inflation rose to 11.5% in 2022

In 2022, Inflation rose to 11.5% but is projected to fall to 2.8% by 2028.

2022: Tuvalu Population Census

In 2022, the census determined Tuvalu's population was 10,643, making it the second-least populous country behind Vatican City.

2022: Value of the Tuvalu Trust Fund

In 2022, the value of the Tuvalu Trust Fund is approximately $190 million and the volatility in global equity markets resulted in the TTF's value falling by 7 percent as compared to the end of 2021.

2022: Increase in inflation in 2022

The increase in inflation in 2022 was due to the rapid rise in the cost of food resulting from a drought that affected food production and from rising global food prices, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

May 2023: AIFFP approved payment for construction of passenger and cargo facilities

In May 2023 the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) approved the payment of AUD$21.4m for a AUD$120.6m Asian Development Bank (ADB) led fund to finance the construction of passenger and cargo facilities on Pacific Islands, which includes a project at Niutao and to implement a project at Nui in Tuvalu.

May 2023: MoU signed with Sea Shepherd Global

In May 2023, the Government of Tuvalu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sea Shepherd Global to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Tuvalu's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

September 2023: Tuvalu's parliament passed the Constitution of Tuvalu Act 2023

On 5 September 2023, Tuvalu's parliament passed the Constitution of Tuvalu Act 2023.

October 2023: Changes to the constitution came into effect

On 1 October 2023, the changes to the constitution came into effect.

November 2023: Tuvalu signs Falepili Union treaty with Australia

On 10 November 2023, Tuvalu signed the Falepili Union treaty with Australia, addressing climate change and security and including a pathway for Tuvaluan citizens to migrate to Australia each year.

November 2023: Falepili Union Signed with Australia

On 10 November 2023, Tuvalu signed the Falepili Union, a bilateral diplomatic relationship with Australia, which provides a pathway for citizens of Tuvalu to migrate to Australia, enabling climate-related mobility for Tuvaluans.

2023: Agreement between Tuvalu and GoDaddy company

In 2023, an agreement between the government of Tuvalu and the GoDaddy company, outsourced the marketing, sales, promotion and branding of the .tv domain to the Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation, which established a .tv unit.

2023: IMF Article IV consultation with Tuvalu concluded

In 2023, the IMF Article IV consultation with Tuvalu concluded that a successful vaccination strategy allowed Tuvalu to lift coronavirus disease (COVID) containment measures at the end of 2022.

2023: Recognition of Falekaupule

In 2023, the amendments to the Constitution recognise the Falekaupule as the traditional governing authorities of the islands of Tuvalu.

2023: Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific

In 2023, the governments of Tuvalu and other islands vulnerable to climate change launched the "Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific", advocating for phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy.

2023: Tuvalu sent a team to the 2023 Pacific Games

Tuvalu sent a team to the 2023 Pacific Games.

March 2024: Flights between Nadi and Funafuti

Beginning in March 2024, Fiji Airways started operating flights on Mondays between Nadi and Funafuti.

October 2024: Australia handed over HMTSS Te Mataili III

On 16 October 2024 Australia handed over a Guardian-class patrol boat to Tuvalu, which was named HMTSS Te Mataili III

2024: Tuvalu at the 2024 Summer Olympics

Tuvalu was represented in athletic events at the 2024 Summer Olympics by Karalo Maibuca in the men's 100 metres, and Temalini Manatoa in the women's 100 metres.

2028: Inflation projected to fall to 2.8% by 2028

Inflation is projected to fall to 2.8% by 2028

2030: Launch of Te Kete - National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2021-2030

In 2030, the national strategy plan Te Kete - National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 sets out the development agenda of the Government of Tuvalu.