Tuvalu Country Report

Tuvalu is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. Criminal activity, unrest and terrorism are not significant concerns but petty theft does occur. Corruption is unlikely to have a significant impact on business activity, although the influence of traditional local leaders has the potential to undermine the rule of law. Tuvalu rarely experiences significant earthquakes but the country is at risk from tsunamis following large offshore earthquakes elsewhere in the region. Tuvalu is periodically affected by storms during the tropical cyclone season between November and April but has historically experienced fewer cyclones than some other countries in the region. However, changes to usual cyclone patterns have increased the risk of landfall in recent years. In March 2015, Tuvalu experienced widespread infrastructural damage during the passage of tropical cyclone Pam and long-term recovery efforts are ongoing.

Criminal activity, unrest and terrorism are not significant concerns in Tuvalu but petty theft does occur. Although the threat remains low, criminal activity is more common in Funafuti, particularly in areas popular with international travelers. Civil unrest is rare but demonstrations are occasionally staged over political, economic, and labor issues, typically outside government offices.

Air travel to and within the country is generally considered safe but flights can be unreliable and subject to significant delays.

Tuvalu's road network is extremely limited. While major roads on Funafuti are paved, those on other islands are typically unpaved.

Funafuti is Tuvalu's main, albeit small, port. It is relatively efficient.

Electricity and communications infrastructure is relatively good in urban centers but may be less reliable in more remote areas. However, the country's mobile phone network is limited to a single provider.

The country is considered both an unlikely sponsor of and unlikely target for cyber attacks.

Tuvalu has a warm, tropical climate with two district seasons, a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. The country rarely experiences significant earthquakes but is at risk from tsunamis following large offshore earthquakes elsewhere in the region. Tuvalu is periodically affected by storms during the tropical cyclone season between November and April but has historically experienced fewer cyclones than some other countries in the region. However, changes to usual cyclone patterns have increased the risk of landfall in recent years. In March 2015, Tuvalu experienced widespread infrastructural damage during the passage of tropical cyclone Pam and long-term recovery efforts are ongoing.

There are no major disease-related concerns in Tuvalu. However, medical care is limited, with only one major hospital on Funafuti. Pharmacies are available in most major urban centers but access to pharmaceuticals may be more limited in remote areas.

Tuvalu is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. Corruption is a notable concern and several officials have been convicted of corruption offenses in recent years. The country's judiciary is generally seen as being free from political interference, although there remain some areas in which local leaders enjoy a degree of immunity.