179
Room of Countries and Flags · UN member 179
What is Tuvalu like?
日本語
In short
Tuvalu is a country in Polynesia, Oceania. In 2025 it has about 9,500 people (UN estimate), the fewest people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 2000Population: 193rd
Tuvaluツバル- Region
- Polynesia, Oceania
- Population
- about 9,500 (193rd)
- Area
- 26 km² (190th)
- UN member since
- September 5, 2000
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Tuvalu in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 9,500, the fewest people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/13,000 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 26 km², the 190th largest of the 193. That is about 1/15,000 of Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 365.
Joining the United Nations
Tuvalu joined the United Nations on September 5, 2000.
That was 44 years after Japan joined in 1956.
Think about it
- Q1Compare Tuvalu’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
- Q2Find Tuvalu on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
- Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Tuvalu, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 3 UN member states in Polynesia. The one with the most people is Samoa.