Tuvalu
8 00 S, 178 00 E
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 5 m
0 km
severe tropical storms are usually rare, but, in 1997, there were three cyclones; low level of islands make them sensitive to changes in sea level
fish
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 66.67%
other: 33.33% (2005)
since there are no streams or rivers and groundwater is not potable, most water needs must be met by catchment systems with storage facilities (the Japanese Government has built one desalination plant and plans to build one other); beachhead erosion because of the use of sand for building materials; excessive clearance of forest undergrowth for use as fuel; damage to coral reefs from the spread of the Crown of Thorns starfish; Tuvalu is concerned about global increases in greenhouse gas emissions and their effect on rising sea levels, which threaten the country's underground water table; in 2000, the government appealed to Australia and New Zealand to take in Tuvaluans if rising sea levels should make evacuation necessary
time difference: UTC+12
note: administrative offices are located in Vaiaku Village on Fongafale Islet
