Tuvalu 2109×1406

U.S. Relationship

Aerial of the island of Tuvalu
Aerial of the island of Tuvalu

U.S.-Tuvalu Relations

During World War II, several thousand U.S. troops were stationed in Tuvalu, then known as the Ellice Islands. Beginning in 1942, U.S. forces built airbases on the islands of Funafuti, Nanumea, and Nukufetau. The airstrip in the capital of Funafuti is still in use, as is the “American Passage” that was blasted through Nanumea’s reef by SeaBees, assisted by local
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Aerial of the island of Tuvalu

U.S. Assistance to Tuvalu

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds regional projects assisting communities in accessing financing, building institutional capacity, and adapting to climate change. The Climate Ready project (2016-2022) supports climate finance and management capacity by working with government partners and stakeholders to draft and implement policies to achieve adaption goals; access larger amounts of financing from international adaption funds; and
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Aerial of the island of Tuvalu

People-to-People Ties

The U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji, which covers Tuvalu, opened an American Space in Funafuti at the National Library and Archives in 2018. The American Space remained open during the pandemic and continued to welcome visitors and host programs, for example, engaging youth on climate and the environment. There are multiple U.S. exchange and education programs for Tuvalu participants, including
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Integrated Country Strategies

The Integrated Country Strategy is the four-year strategy articulating U.S. priorities in a given country. The Chief of Mission leads the strategy.

U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future