TUVALU

4 team members
Adopt-a-country school: Enuamanu School
Accommodation: Tereora College
Dining:  Princess Ann Hall

Capital:    Funafati
Land Area:     25.9 sq km
Languages:     Tuvaluan, English
Currency:     Australian Dollar

Tuvalu (formally known as Ellice Islands) is an independent state inhabited by Polynesians who arrived at least 2000 years ago. The island nation is located midway between Hawaii and Australia in the Pacific Ocean.
The name Tuvalu means 'eight together', although the country is made up of 9 islands, which include 4 reef islands and 5 true atolls. The most southern island of Niulakita, however, is not permanently inhabited.
According to tradition, the original inhabitants of Tuvalu came from Samoa. It is the second least populated independent country in the world; the population stands at 11,810. The majority of Tuvaluans are Christians who mostly speak the Tuvaluan language.
Traditions are still practiced today with each family carrying out a specific task and role known as the salenga, such as fishing, defence or house building.  The skills of the family are passed down from father to son.
Nowadays, Tuvalu is an independent state with the English monarch as head of state. The Queen is represented by a governor general with limited powers.
The 15 members of parliament, known as the Fale I Fono, are elected by universal vote for a four year term.