Tuvalu

At a Glance

Tuvalu is one of the world's smallest and most isolated countries, a low-lying Pacific atoll nation with a Polynesian culture centred on communal life, traditional navigation, and the sea. The atolls sit barely above sea level and the sense of ocean dominance is total. It is visited by almost no one and suits only the most dedicated of far-flung travellers.

• The .tv internet domain belongs to Tuvalu — and licensing fees are a significant share of national income.
• Fourth smallest country in the world.
• Expected to be the first country to fully disappear under rising sea levels.