World Happiness Report for Tuvalu 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Tuvalu: na
- Happiness Score Tuvalu:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Tuvalu. TV.
Tuvalu is
- a small island country located in the Pacific Ocean.
- Its political structure is a parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state.
- The economy is primarily based on fishing and copra production.
Tuvalu – A Comprehensive Overview
History and Overview
Early History: Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, was first settled by Polynesian voyagers around the 6th century AD. These islands remained largely isolated until the late 18th century when European explorers and whalers began to visit the region.
Colonial Period: In 1892, the Ellice Islands became a British protectorate, and in 1916 they were incorporated into the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony, along with the neighboring Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati). Tuvalu remained a part of this colony until its independence in 1978.
Independence and Modern Era: On October 1, 1978, Tuvalu gained independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a sovereign nation and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Since then, Tuvalu has maintained a stable democratic system, although it has faced challenges due to its small size and vulnerability to climate change.
Current Political Situation: Tuvalu is a parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state, represented by a Governor-General. The prime minister is the head of government and is elected by the members of parliament. The current prime minister is Kausea Natano, who assumed office in 2019.
International Relations: Tuvalu is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the Pacific Islands Forum, and the Commonwealth of Nations. The country maintains friendly relations with its neighbors and other Pacific island nations, as well as with major powers like Australia and New Zealand.
Human Development and Economy: Tuvalu has a small, open economy heavily dependent on foreign aid and remittances from Tuvaluans living abroad. The main economic activities include fishing, agriculture, and tourism. Despite its limited resources, Tuvalu has made progress in improving its human development indicators, such as life expectancy, education, and access to healthcare.
Cultural Highlights: Tuvalu has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its Polynesian roots. The people of Tuvalu are known for their traditional dances, music, and crafts. The country’s official languages are Tuvaluan and English, and most Tuvaluans are Christians, predominantly members of the Congregational Christian Church.
Tuvalu faces significant challenges due to its remote location, limited resources, and vulnerability to climate change and rising sea levels, which threaten its very existence. However, the resilience and strong cultural identity of the Tuvaluan people, combined with international support and cooperation, offer hope for addressing these challenges and preserving this unique island nation.
Travel Tips for Tuvalu
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Tuvalu is during the dry season, which runs from May to October, when the weather is cooler and drier.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, dress modestly, and ask for permission before entering private homes or taking photographs of people.
Safety Precautions: Tuvalu is generally a safe destination, but visitors should exercise caution and be mindful of petty crimes. It is advisable to keep valuables secure and avoid isolated areas, especially at night.
Must-See Landmarks:
– Funafuti Conservation Area: A protected area with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life.
– Tuvalu Game House: A traditional meeting house showcasing local crafts and cultural performances.
– Fongafale Islet: The main islet of Funafuti Atoll, known for its picturesque beaches and laidback atmosphere.
Culinary Experiences: Try local dishes like pulaka (a staple root crop), coconut-based dishes, and fresh seafood, including tuna and lobster. Attend a traditional island feast or “umu” to experience Tuvaluan cuisine and hospitality.
Living in Tuvalu
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Tuvalu is relatively high due to the country’s isolation and reliance on imported goods. However, the cost of housing and utilities can be lower for locals.
Housing: Housing options in Tuvalu range from traditional thatched-roof huts to modern concrete houses. Expatriates may find it challenging to find suitable long-term rental accommodations.
Healthcare: Tuvalu has a basic public healthcare system, but medical facilities and resources are limited. Serious medical conditions may require treatment abroad.
Education: Tuvalu offers free primary and secondary education, but opportunities for higher education are limited. Many students pursue tertiary education abroad.
Cultural Norms: Respect local customs, dress modestly, and be mindful of traditional gender roles and family structures. Observe proper greetings and etiquette when interacting with Tuvaluan people.
Legal Requirements: Visitors and residents must obtain the appropriate visas and comply with Tuvaluan laws and regulations. Expatriates may need to obtain work permits or residency permits for long-term stays.
Doing Business in Tuvalu
Business Culture: Tuvalu has a relatively informal business culture, with an emphasis on personal relationships and trust. Business dealings may move at a slower pace, and patience and flexibility are essential.
Economic Climate: Tuvalu’s economy is small and heavily dependent on foreign aid, remittances, and revenue from fishing licenses. Opportunities for businesses may be limited, but sectors like tourism, fishing, and agriculture hold potential.
Key Industries: The main industries in Tuvalu include fishing, agriculture (particularly coconut and taro cultivation), and tourism.
Legal Framework: Tuvalu has a legal system based on English common law and local statutes. Foreign investors should seek legal counsel to understand regulations regarding business registration, taxation, and labor laws.
Negotiation and Relationships: Building personal relationships and establishing trust are crucial for successful business negotiations in Tuvalu. Respect local customs and hierarchy, and be prepared for a slower pace of negotiations.
Studying in Tuvalu
Educational System: Tuvalu has a centralized education system managed by the Ministry of Education. Primary and secondary education is free and compulsory, but opportunities for higher education within the country are limited.
Top Universities: The University of the South Pacific (USP) has an extension campus in Tuvalu, offering some tertiary-level courses and programs. However, many Tuvaluan students pursue higher education abroad.
Student Life: Student life in Tuvalu is relatively simple, with limited extracurricular activities and facilities. Students are expected to be self-motivated and adaptable to the island’s lifestyle and resources.
Visa Requirements: International students may require student visas or permits to study in Tuvalu. It is advisable to contact the relevant authorities for the latest visa requirements and application procedures.
Opportunities for International Students: Due to the country’s limited educational resources, opportunities for international students in Tuvalu are primarily focused on language and cultural immersion programs, as well as research or volunteer opportunities related to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Main facts
Location
Tuvalu is an island country located in the Polynesian subregion of the Pacific Ocean, situated midway between Hawaii and Australia. It lies approximately 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) northeast of Australia and 4,100 kilometers (2,550 miles) south of Hawaii.
Map References
Tuvalu is located in the Oceania region, specifically in the Polynesian subregion of the Pacific Ocean.
Area – Comparative
Tuvalu is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a total land area of approximately 26 square kilometers (10 square miles), making it slightly larger than Macau and about 3 times the size of Manhattan, New York City.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
As an island nation, Tuvalu has no land boundaries with other countries.
Coastline
Tuvalu has a total coastline of 24 kilometers (15 miles). The coastline features sandy beaches and coral reefs surrounding the islands.
Maritime Claims
Tuvalu has the following maritime claims:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or the edge of continental margin
Climate
Tuvalu has a tropical maritime climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F), with little seasonal variation.
Terrain
Tuvalu is a group of low-lying coral atolls, with the highest elevation being only 4.6 meters (15 feet) above sea level. The landscape is generally flat, with sandy beaches and coconut palm trees.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Tuvalu is an unnamed elevation on Niulakita, at 4.6 meters (15 feet) above sea level. The lowest point is the Pacific Ocean (0 meters).
Natural Resources
Tuvalu has limited natural resources, with its main resources being:
- Fish
- Coconut products (copra)
Major Bodies of Water
Tuvalu does not have any major lakes or rivers. The country is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
Natural Hazards
The primary natural hazards affecting Tuvalu are:
- Severe tropical storms
- Droughts
- Rising sea levels and coastal erosion due to climate change
Geography – Notes
Tuvalu is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change and rising sea levels. With an average elevation of only 2 meters (6.6 feet) above sea level, the entire country is at risk of being submerged if sea levels continue to rise. This poses a significant threat to the nation’s future and has prompted discussions about potential relocation or adaptation strategies.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 33.30%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 11. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 60.00%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: -7.109535177.64933.
- Capital: The capital of Tuvalu is Funafuti
- Major Cities:
- Funafuti – Population: 6,194
- Vaiaku – Population: 1,500
- Savave – Population: 579
- Population: 11,646
- Area(Km2): 26
- Population Density( P/Km²):393. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:688
- Official Language(s):Country without an official language. The main languages spoken in Tuvalu are Tuvaluan (69%) and English (32%).
- Currency: AUD
Main Economic Indicators
Tuvalu has a small, isolated, service-oriented economy with few natural resources and minimal exports. Government consumption accounts for about 26% of GDP, with the public sector providing most employment opportunities. Tuvalu’s economic prospects are constrained by its remote location, paucity of natural resources, and fragility of its environment. The country is among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels which could render the nation uninhabitable by the end of the century.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
3.5% (2020 est.)
3.2% (2019 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook
Credit Ratings
No credit ratings assigned by major international agencies.
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 24.5%
Industry: 15.6%
Services: 59.9% (2017 est.)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Coconuts, fish
Industrial Products: Fishing, tourism, copra, craft items from remnant stocks
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 6,000 (2012 est.)
Ranking data unavailable
Current Account Balance
$1.5 million (2017 est.)
Ranking data unavailable
Exports and Imports
Exports: $539,000 (2011 est.)
Major export partners: Korea, Poland, Germany
Major exports: stamps, copra, handicrafts
Imports: $39.2 million (2011 est.)
Major import partners: Singapore, Australia, Japan
Major imports: food, animals, mineral fuels, machinery
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
$38.7 million (2017 est.)
Tuvalu has no gold reserves.
- GDP (Current US$):$47,271,463. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): . It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): . This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. . It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): . It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Tuvaluan(s)
Adjective: Tuvaluan
2. Ethnic Groups
Polynesian 96%, Micronesian 4%
3. Religions
Protestant 98.4% (Church of Tuvalu [Congregationalist] 97%, Seventh-Day Adventist 0.4%, Bahá’í 1%), others 1.6%
4. Age Structure
0-14 years: 25.36% (male 1,624/female 1,548)
15-64 years: 67.31% (male 4,298/female 4,138)
65 years and over: 7.33% (male 356/female 567) (2022 est.)
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 48.7
Youth dependency ratio: 37.7
Elderly dependency ratio: 10.9 (2022 est.)
6. Median Age
Total: 26.8 years
Male: 26.4 years
Female: 27.2 years (2022 est.)
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 51.6% (2016)
Alcohol consumption: 2.4 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)
Tobacco use: 33.9% of adults (2007)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: . Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:10. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 3.2. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 49.3%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 7,362. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):0.70%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Tuvalu does not have a standing military force. The country relies on civilian police services and the issuance of maritime surveillance by allies for its security needs. The Tuvalu Police Force is responsible for maintaining law and order within the country.
Military Expenditures
As a small island nation without a dedicated military, Tuvalu’s military expenditure is negligible. It is ranked among the lowest in the world in terms of military spending as a percentage of GDP.
Personnel Strengths
Tuvalu has no active military personnel. The Tuvalu Police Force has a strength of around 60 officers.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Tuvalu does not possess any military hardware or equipment.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Tuvalu has no compulsory military service obligations.
Military Deployments
Tuvalu does not have any overseas military deployments or participate in international peacekeeping missions due to the absence of a standing military force.
Strategic Military Notes
As a small island nation, Tuvalu’s primary security concerns revolve around maritime surveillance, border control, and disaster response capabilities. The country relies on cooperation with regional partners and allies, such as Australia and New Zealand, for its defense and security needs. Tuvalu is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, which facilitates regional cooperation on security matters.
- Armed Forces Size: . Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.92
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): . This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.