Full History Of Tuvalu In Timeline From 1900

1900: Publication of Charles Hedley's descriptions in 1900

Charles Hedley's descriptions of invertebrate and ethnological objects collected during the 1896 expedition to Funafuti were published in Memoir III of the Australian Museum Sydney between 1896 and 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 records people, communities and scenes at Funafuti

In 1900, Harry Clifford Fassett, captain's clerk and photographer, recorded people, communities and scenes at Funafuti during a visit of USFC Albatross when the United States Fish Commission was investigating the formation of coral reefs on Pacific atolls.

1909: End of resident palagi traders representing trading companies

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

1916: Administration as part of 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 BWPT ended, and the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony was established.

October 1942: US Marine Corps landed on Funafuti

On October 2, 1942, the United States Marine Corps landed on Funafuti.

November 1942: Naval Base Funafuti Established

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

August 1943: US Marine Corps landed on Nanumea and Nukufetau

In August 1943, the United States Marine Corps landed on Nanumea and Nukufetau.

November 1943: Preparation for the Battle of Tarawa and the Battle of 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 that commenced on 20 November 1943, which were part of the implementation of "Operation Galvanic".

May 1944: End of USN Patrol Torpedo Boats (PTs) based at Naval Base Funafuti

Until May 11, 1944, USN Patrol Torpedo Boats (PTs) and seaplanes were based 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 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

1966: Adoption of Australian Dollar

In 1966, the Australian dollar was adopted in Tuvalu.

1966: Employment Ordinance

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 Change

In 1971, a study estimated that between 1971 and 2014, 75% of Tuvalu's islands had grown in land area, with an overall increase of more than 2%.

October 1972: Cyclone Bebe

In October 1972, Cyclone Bebe struck Tuvalu, submerging Funafuti, destroying 95% of its structures, and causing 6 fatalities. The storm surge contaminated drinking water sources.

1974: Creation of the British colony of Tuvalu

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

1974: General election and referendum held in 1974

In 1974, a general election was held, and a referendum was held in 1974 to determine whether the Gilbert Islands and Ellice Islands should each have their own administration.

1974: Referendum held in 1974

In 1974, a referendum was held to determine whether the Gilbert Islands and Ellice Islands should each have their own administration.

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

On October 1, 1975, the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony legally ceased to exist as a result of a referendum held in 1974.

October 1975: Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony existed until October 1975

The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony, which was established in 1916, existed until October 1975.

October 1975: Recognition of Tuvalu as a separate Crown Colony

The Tuvaluan Order 1975, which took effect on October 1, 1975, recognised Tuvalu as a separate Crown Colony with its own government.

1975: End of administration as part of Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony

In 1975, the Ellice Islands were managed as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony, ending in 1975.

January 1976: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Dubbed into Tuvaluan

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

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January 1976: Creation of separate administrations

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

January 1976: Official separation and formation of Kiribati and Tuvalu

On January 1, 1976, the old administration was officially separated, and two separate British colonies, Kiribati and Tuvalu, were formed.

1976: Adoption of Tuvaluan dollar

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

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

Elections to the House of Assembly of the British Colony of Tuvalu were held on 27 August 1977.

October 1977: Toaripi Lauti appointed chief minister in the House of Assembly

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

July 1978: Dissolution of the House of Assembly

In July 1978, the House of Assembly was dissolved, with the government of Toaripi Lauti continuing as a caretaker government until the 1981 elections were held.

October 1978: Renaming of the House of Assembly

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

October 1978: Tuvalu becomes an independent state

On October 1, 1978, Toaripi Lauti became the first prime minister when Tuvalu became an independent state. That date is also celebrated as the country's Independence Day and is a public holiday.

1978: First participation in the Pacific Games

In 1978, Tuvalu first participated in the Pacific Games.

1979: Cyclone Meli Devastates Tepuka Vili Vili Islet

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

1980: Identification of Niutao as El Gran Cocal in 1980

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

1981: Elections were held.

In 1981, elections were held.

October 1982: Queen Elizabeth II's royal tour to Tuvalu

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

1983: End of migration to Kioa

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

1983: US treaty ratified

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

1986: Referendum on Monarchy

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

1987: Establishment of the Tuvalu Trust Fund (TTF)

In 1987, the Tuvalu Trust Fund (TTF) was established by the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

1988: South Pacific Tuna Treaty in force

In 1988, the South Pacific Tuna Treaty (SPTT), to which the Tuvaluan government and the US government are parties, entered into force.

1989: Nivaga II was in service

In 1989 Nivaga II was in service in Tuvalu.

1989: Manaui Procured

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

1992: Tuvalu signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

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

1993: Member of Asian Development Bank

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

1993: Installation of Aquatrak Acoustic Gauge

In 1993, an 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 to provide more reliable data for analysis.

1994: HMTSS Te Mataili provided to Tuvalu

From 1994 to 2019 Tuvalu policed its 200-kilometre exclusive economic zone with the Pacific-class patrol boat HMTSS Te Mataili, provided by Australia.

1996: Start of economic success for Tuvalu

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

1996: Cyclone Gavin

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

1996: Construction of a pond on Vaitupu

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

March 1997: Cyclone Gavin

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

October 1997: Establishment of the EIF

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, with Tuvalu participating.

1997: Passage of the Falekaupule Act

Since the passage of the Falekaupule Act in 1997, the powers and functions of the Falekaupule are shared with the pule o kaupule, a village president elected on each atoll.

1998: First participation in the Commonwealth Games

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

1998: Reef Damage during El Niño Events

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

1999: Revenue from the South Pacific Tuna Treaty

In 1999, the payment from the South Pacific Tuna Treaty (SPTT) was about $9 million.

September 2000: Tuvalu becomes a member of the United Nations

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

September 2000: Tuvalu joins the United Nations

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

2000: Maintained UN mission

Since 2000, Tuvalu has maintained a mission at the United Nations in New York City.

2001: Pacific Access Category announced

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 in Tuvalu is 10 years for males and 11 years for females.

2001: Reef Damage during El Niño Events

In 2001, the reefs at Funafuti continued to suffer damage during the El Niño events, with approximately 70% of the Staghorn (Acropora spp.) corals experiencing bleaching due to increased ocean temperatures.

December 2002: Tuvalu ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

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

2002: Earth Summit

At the 2002 Earth Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuvalu promoted concern about global warming and sea level rising.

2002: Uncertainty in Sea Level Change Estimates

In 2002, conclusions from available data reflected the degree of uncertainty regarding 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: Participation in the Commonwealth Games

In 2002, two table tennis players from Tuvalu participated in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England.

2002: Paving of streets in Funafuti

In mid-2002, the streets of Funafuti were paved, but other roads remained unpaved in Tuvalu.

2002: End of economic success for Tuvalu

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

2005: Citizenship granted

In 2005, the settlers from Tuvalu who migrated to Kioa were granted Fijian citizenship.

February 2006: Peak Tide Recorded

On 24 February 2006, the Tuvalu Meteorological Service recorded the highest peak tide at 3.4 meters.

2006: Participation in the Commonwealth Games

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

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: Recognition of TASNOC 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 serving in the Island Courts of Tuvalu.

2007: Recognised Seasonal Employer Work Policy introduced

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

2008: Slowed economic growth and inflation

In 2008, Tuvalu's economic growth slowed to 1.5%, and the country faced rapid rises in world prices of fuel and food, with inflation peaking at 13.4%.

2008: Referendum on Monarchy

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

2008: Annual Tuvalu Games since 2008

Since 2008, the Tuvalu Games have been held yearly, marking it as the most important sports event within the country.

2008: First entry into the Olympic Games

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

December 2009: Climate Change Conference

In December 2009, Tuvalu stalled talks on climate change at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen due to concerns about other developing countries' commitment to binding deals on carbon emission reduction.

2009: Participation in 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

In 2009, the Waste Operations and Services Act was enacted, providing a legal framework for waste management and pollution control projects funded by the European Union, focusing on organic waste composting in eco-sanitation systems.

2009: Economic contraction in Tuvalu

The IMP 2010 Report on Tuvalu estimates that Tuvalu experienced an economic contraction of about 2% in 2009.

May 2010: Tuvalu Marine Life study surveys in May 2010

In May 2010, surveys were carried out of the reef habitats of Nanumea, Nukulaelae and Funafuti as part of the Tuvalu Marine Life study, during which a total of 317 fish species were recorded.

June 2010: Tuvalu joins the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

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

2010: Member of World Bank

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

2010: Students and teachers in 2010

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

2010: Participation in the 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 totals

In 2010, visitors to Tuvalu totalled 1,684, with the majority being business-related, development officials, or technical consultants.

2011: Construction of a new AM broadcast studio

In 2011, the Japanese government provided financial support to construct a new AM broadcast studio for Radio Tuvalu, improving radio service across all islands.

2011: Pacific Climate Change Science Program Report

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

2011: GDP growth after financial crisis

The IMF Article IV consultation concluded that GDP grew in 2011 for the first time since the global financial crisis, led by the private retail sector and education spending.

July 2012: UN Special Rapporteur Call for Water Strategy

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

August 2012: IMF Article IV consultation

On August 5, 2012, the executive board of the IMF concluded the Article IV consultation with Tuvalu, assessing a slow economic recovery with important risks.

September 2012: Visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

In September 2012, the fatele was performed at community events and to celebrate the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, reflecting contemporary and older Polynesian musical styles.

2012: Representation at the Summer Olympics

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

2012: 2012 census population

The Congregational Christian Church of Tuvalu's adherents comprise about 97% of the 10,837 (2012 census) inhabitants of the archipelago.

May 2013: Extension of 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 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 power generation between 2013 and 2020, primarily through Solar PV and biodiesel.

2013: Tuau Lapua Lapua wins 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 in the weightlifting 62 kilogram male snatch.

2013: Tuvalu deferred graduation from LDC status

In 2013, Tuvalu deferred its graduation from least developed country (LDC) status to a developing country to 2015 to maintain access to climate change adaptation funds.

2013: Kiribati climate change refugee claim

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: Environment Protection (Litter and Waste Control) Regulation

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

2014: Study on Land Area Change

In 2014, a study estimated that between 1971 and 2014, 75% of Tuvalu's islands had grown in land area, with an overall increase of more than 2%.

2014: Participation in the Commonwealth Games

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

2014: Climate change refugee appeal

In 2014, an appeal was made 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 (BPR) project in 2014

In 2014, the Tuvalu Borrow Pits Remediation (BPR) project was approved so that 10 borrow pits would be filled with sand from the lagoon, leaving Tafua Pond, which is a natural pond. The New Zealand Government funded the BPR project.

2014: IMF Country Report on Tuvalu

The IMF 2014 Country Report noted that real GDP growth in Tuvalu had been volatile averaging only 1 per cent in the past decade and describes economic growth prospects as generally positive.

February 2015: Peak Tide Recorded

On 19 February 2015, the Tuvalu Meteorological Service recorded the highest peak tide at 3.4 meters.

March 2015: Cyclone Pam

In March 2015, Cyclone Pam caused waves of 3 to 5 meters to break over the reef of Tuvalu's outer islands, damaging houses, crops, and infrastructure, leading to a state of emergency. Nui and Nukufetau suffered significant crop loss, and Nanumanga experienced flooding.

2015: Nivaga III replaces Nivaga II

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

2015: Telupe Iosefa wins first gold medal 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

In 2015, Tuvalu and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) settled a tuna fishing deal with the United States. In 2015, Tuvalu refused to sell fishing days to certain nations and fleets.

2015: Deferred graduation from LDC status

In 2015, Tuvalu's deferral of graduation from least developed country (LDC) status, originally deferred in 2013, was active, allowing continued access to climate change adaptation funds.

2015: Exhibition of the art of Tuvalu

In 2015, an exhibition was held on Funafuti displaying Tuvaluan art that addressed climate change and featured artifacts of Tuvalu culture, showcasing "Kope ote olaga" (possessions of life).

2015: Execution of Tuvalu Borrow Pits Remediation (BPR) project

In 2015, the Tuvalu Borrow Pits Remediation (BPR) project was carried out, with 365,000 sqm of sand being 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) assisted Tuvalu in acquiring the Tala Moana vessel, which is used for Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) patrols.

February 2016: Joined Pacific Islands Development Forum

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

2016: Etimoni Timuani at the Summer Olympics

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

2016: Leading causes of death in 2016

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: Introduction of Warning System

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

2016: WCPF Convention Article 30

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

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

In 2016, the national strategy plan Te Kakeega III – National Strategy for Sustainable Development-2016-2020 was launched, outlining the government's development agenda.

2016: Increased number of visitors

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

May 2017: High Level Political Dialogue

On May 31, 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: Launch of Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP)

In 2017, the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP) was launched to enhance the resilience of Tuvalu's islands against higher sea levels, with Tuvalu becoming the first Pacific country to access climate finance from the Green Climate Fund.

2017: Tuvalu Population in 2017

In 2017, the census determined Tuvalu had a population of 10,645, making it the second-least populous country in the world.

2017: 2017 census

The districts, their island counts, and their populations as of the 2017 census are as follows:

2018: Report on rising sea levels

A 2018 report stated that the rising sea levels are identified as creating an increased transfer of wave energy across reef surfaces, which shifts sand, resulting in accretion to island shorelines.

2018: Study on Land Area Change

In 2018, a study estimated that between 1971 and 2014, 75% of Tuvalu's islands had grown in land area, with an overall increase of more than 2%.

2018: Life expectancy and population growth in 2018

In 2018, life expectancy for women in Tuvalu is estimated at 70.2 years and 65.6 years for men. The country's population growth rate is 0.86%.

2018: Strategic plan for Tuvalu National Cultural Centre and Museum

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

2018: Australia maintains High Commission

Since 2018, Australia has maintained a High Commission in Tuvalu.

2019: GDP growth

In 2019 real gross domestic product growth was 13.8%.

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 HMTSS Te Mataili.

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: Cyclone Tino

Between January 16 and 19 of 2020, Cyclone Tino impacted the whole of Tuvalu despite passing over 500 km to the south of the island nation.

2020: Economic cost of the pandemic

In 2020 the economic cost of the pandemic was significant, with real gross domestic product growth falling to -4.3 percent.

2020: Purchase of landing barge

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

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

In 2020, the national strategy plan Te Kakeega III – National Strategy for Sustainable Development-2016-2020 was launched, outlining the government's development agenda.

2020: Representation at the Summer Olympics

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

2020: Renewable energy target year

Under the Majuro Declaration, signed on September 5, 2013, Tuvalu has made a commitment to implement power generation of 100% renewable energy (between 2013 and 2020)

2021: Economy recovered

In 2021 the economy recovered to 1.8%.

2021: TTF value rose

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

2021: Verisign management of .tv domain ends

In 2021, Verisign's management of Tuvalu's ".tv" internet domain name ended.

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 was launched, outlining the government's development agenda.

January 2022: Tuvalu ratified the PACER agreement

In January 2022, Tuvalu ratified the PACER agreement, designed to reduce trade barriers between signatories.

February 2022: Combined satellite 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 Virtual Version to 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 to build a digital replica in the metaverse

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

December 2022: Funafuti Reclamation Project Commenced

In December 2022, the Funafuti reclamation project, part of the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, began. Sand was dredged from the lagoon to build a platform on Fongafale islet, measuring 780 meters long and 100 meters wide, designed to withstand sea level rise and storm waves beyond 2100.

2022: Increase in inflation due to food costs

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

2022: Decline in TTF's value

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

2022: High inflation

Inflation rose to 11.5% in 2022, but inflation is project to fall to 2.8% by 2028.

May 2023: Funding 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 (US$15m) for a AUD$120.6m (US$84.4m) Asian Development Bank (ADB) led fund to finance the construction of passenger and cargo facilities on Pacific Islands.

May 2023: Signed MoU with Sea Shepherd Global

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

September 2023: Constitution of Tuvalu Act 2023 Passed

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

October 2023: Constitution of Tuvalu Act 2023 Effective

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

November 2023: Tuvalu signs the Falepili Union treaty with Australia

On 10 November 2023, Tuvalu signed the Falepili Union treaty with Australia. The Treaty addresses climate change and security.

November 2023: Falepili Union signed

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

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

In 2023, Tuvalu and other Pacific islands launched the "Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific", advocating for the phase-out of fossil fuels, a transition to renewable energy, and strengthened environmental law.

2023: Agreement with GoDaddy

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

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

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

2023: Tuvalu sent a team to the Pacific Games

Tuvalu sent a team to the 2023 Pacific Games.

March 2024: Flights operate on Mondays between Nadi and Funafuti

Beginning in March 2024, Fiji Airways operates flights on Mondays between Nadi and Funafuti, in addition to the existing Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday services.

October 2024: Guardian-class patrol boat handed over

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

2024: Representation at the 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 forecast

Inflation is project 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 was launched, outlining the government's development agenda.