Fongafale

Tuvalu

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June 26, 2026

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Fongafale is the main islet of Funafuti Atoll, which serves as the capital of Tuvalu in the Pacific Ocean. It is the most populous of Tuvalu's nine atolls. The village of Vaiaku, located on Fongafale, houses most of Tuvalu's government offices, including those of the prime minister and cabinet, the High Court, and Parliament.123

Funafuti Atoll consists of about 30 islets surrounding a lagoon. Historically, Fongafale produced copra, bananas, and papaya, but urbanization and soil salinization have reduced agricultural output. Subsistence fishing remains a significant economic activity. The atoll was also a U.S. military base during World War II.1

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Tuvalu
It is on Fongafale islet, a constituent part of Funafuti Atoll. Together with what is now Kiribati (formerly the Gilbert Islands), Tuvalu formed the British Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony before separately gaining its independence in 1978.
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It is on Fongafale islet, a constituent part of Funafuti Atoll. Together with what is now Kiribati (formerly the Gilbert Islands), Tuvalu formed the British Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony before separately gaining its independence in 1978.
Read More