'''Tuvalu''' is an island nation of the South [[Pacific Ocean]]. Formerly known as the Ellice Islands (part of the British territory of the [[Gilbert and Ellice Islands]]), it gained independence in 1978. Tuvalu has an area of 10 square miles (26 km<sup>2</sup>) and a population of around 10,000. The capital is Funafuti. | '''Tuvalu''' is an island nation of the South [[Pacific Ocean]]. Formerly known as the Ellice Islands (part of the British territory of the [[Gilbert and Ellice Islands]]), it gained independence in 1978. Tuvalu has an area of 10 square miles (26 km<sup>2</sup>) and a population of around 10,000. The capital is Funafuti. |