Funafuti
Funafuti is an atoll, comprising numerous islets, that is the capital of Tuvalu.
As of the 2017 census, it has a population of 6,320 people. More people live in Funafuti than the rest of Tuvalu combined, with it containing approximately 60% of the nation's population. It is the world's easternmost capital of a sovereign state. The main islet, Fongafale, hosts Vaiaku, the administrative centre of the nation.
Getting to Funafuti
A valid passport and onward ticket is required for entry to Tuvalu.
- 01Funafuti International Airport
Worth seeing
The Funafuti Conservation Area on the western side of the Funafuti atoll has some of the best natural sights, and includes reefs, the gorgeous lagoon, channel, parts of the ocean and islands habitats. Its diversity in marine life makes it an excellent place for scuba diving or snorkelling. Traditional local culture remains very much alive, making the people of Tuvalu one of the nation's best assets.
Things to do
Funafuti is not a beach destination, as all the beaches consist of sharp broken coral. The national game is te ano (the ball). Two teams line up facing each other hitting a ball. The objective is to keep the ball in the air as long as possible. This is similar to volleyball. Locals tend to hang out and socialise on the airport runway. There are only three flights per week, after all.
Where to eat
There are many lodges that have restaurants that serve food and beverages. They serve many types of ethnic cuisines such as Chinese, Italian and Indian. Fish is abundant given the location.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons (see file page), Wikimedia Commons.