South America Capitals Quiz
Can you match South American countries with their capitals?
🇹🇻 Tuvalu
Capital: Funafuti
Funafuti – Tuvalu’s capital atoll, with the main government center at Vaiaku on Fongafale.
Funafuti is the capital of Tuvalu and the country’s main center of government, commerce, transport, and public services. It is a low-lying coral atoll made up of numerous islets surrounding a large lagoon. Most government offices and much of the capital’s population are concentrated on Fongafale, the largest islet, particularly around Vaiaku. Funafuti should not be treated as a city founded in 1892; communities existed on the atoll long before British colonial administration reached the Ellice Islands.
đź“ś Timeline of Funafuti
1892: The Ellice Islands, which included Funafuti, were brought under British protection as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Protectorate. This was a change in colonial status, not the founding of Funafuti.
1916: The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony was established, incorporating the Ellice Islands under British colonial administration.
1975: The Ellice Islands separated from the Gilbert Islands and became a separate British colony under the name Tuvalu. Funafuti served as the main seat of administration.
1978: Tuvalu became independent from the United Kingdom on October 1, with Funafuti continuing as the national capital and seat of government.
1999: The Funafuti Conservation Area was established on the western side of the atoll to protect reef, lagoon, islet, and marine ecosystems.
Today: Funafuti remains Tuvalu’s capital, with national government offices, Parliament, diplomatic activity, the main international airport, and many public services concentrated on Fongafale.
đź“Š Quick Stats
National Capital
Funafuti
The main government area is at Vaiaku on Fongafale islet.
Languages
Tuvaluan, English
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Geography
A low-lying coral atoll in the central Pacific Ocean
Time Zone
Tuvalu Time (TVT), UTC+12
Calling Code
+688
Driving Side
Left-hand traffic
🏛️ Iconic Landmarks
Funafuti Conservation Area
A protected marine area on the western side of Funafuti Atoll covering reef, lagoon, channels, and several small islets. It supports coral, fish, seabirds, and green sea turtles.
Funafuti Lagoon
The large lagoon enclosed by Funafuti Atoll forms much of the capital’s physical setting and has long supported transport, fishing, and local marine life.
Government District – Vaiaku
Vaiaku on Fongafale islet contains national government offices and is the main administrative area within Funafuti.
Funafuti remains Tuvalu’s national capital and main administrative center, with government offices, transport links, businesses, public services, and residential communities concentrated mainly along Fongafale.
