Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor General Tulaga MANUELLA (since NA June 1994)
head of government: Prime Minister Kamuta LATASI (since 10 December
1993); Deputy Prime Minister Otinielu TAUSI (since 10 December 1993)
cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the governor general on recommendation
of the prime minister
Legislative branch: unicameral
Parliament (Palamene): elections last held 25 November 1993 (next to
be held by NA 1997); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (12 total)
Judicial branch: High Court
Political parties and leaders: none
Member of: ACP, AsDB, C (special), ESCAP, IFRCS (associate), INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, UPU, WHO
Diplomatic representation in US: Tuvalu has no mission in the US
US diplomatic representation: none
Flag: light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the outer half of the flag represents a map of the country with nine yellow five-pointed stars symbolizing the nine islands
@Tuvalu:Economy
Overview: Tuvalu consists of a scattered group of nine coral atolls with poor soil. The country has no known mineral resources and few exports. Subsistence farming and fishing are the primary economic activities. The islands are too small and too remote for development of a tourist industry. Government revenues largely come from the sale of stamps and coins and worker remittances. Substantial income is received annually from an international trust fund established in 1987 by Australia, NZ, and the UK and supported also by Japan and South Korea.