Where did the first settlers of Tuvalu come from?

The first settlers of what is now Tuvalu are believed to have arrived approximately 2,000 years ago, originating from Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, and/or Uvea.1

While some historical accounts suggest an arrival date in the 14th century CE, broader archaeological and historical research indicates the initial settlement occurred much earlier, around two millennia ago. Following these initial arrivals, smaller groups of people migrated to the islands from Tonga, the northern Cook Islands, Rotuma, and the Gilbert Islands. Additionally, the island of Nui was notably settled in prehistoric times by Micronesians from the Gilbert Islands.21