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Introduction
Fongafale, the capital of Tuvalu, is the chief town of Funafuti Attol. It achieved capital status when Tuvalu won independence in 1978.
History
As part of the former Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony, Funafuti Atoll was used as a military base by the US from 1943. Two years after self government in 1974, Funafuti took over from Tarawa as the administrative centre.
Modern City
Fongafale is small and largely unspoilt with a modest tourist industry. There is a hotel, hospital and a small airport. Copra is the chief export.
Places of Interest
There are no famous tourist attractions. Most visitors come on official business but other visitors are attracted by the natural and unspoilt coastline.
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(2019). Fongafale, Tuvalu. In: The Statesman’s Yearbook Companion. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95839-9_1022
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95839-9_1022
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Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-95838-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-95839-9
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