Tuvalu
Tuvalu
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -1.75%
As a microstate in Polynesia, Tuvalu is home to just 9.6k people, making it one of the less populous countries in the world. Despite covering only 26 km², the territory records a density of 371 people per km². Its capital is Funafuti, and official languages include English and Tuvaluan, while the Australian dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
9,646
Area
26 km²
Density
371/km²
World Rank
#231
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Births occur at 23.1 per thousand against deaths at 9.1 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 33% of residents under 15 and 6.7% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Funafuti
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Polynesia
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- English, Tuvaluan
- Currencies
- Australian dollar ($), Tuvaluan dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +688
- Top-Level Domain
- .tv
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+12:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 9,646
- Land Area
- 26 km²
- Population Density
- 371 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -1.75%
- Annual Growth
- -169 people
- Daily Growth
- -0 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- -8.00°, 178.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $6.3k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—below the global average of $12.5k. The Gini index of 39.1 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
67.1 years
GDP per Capita
$6,345
Birth Rate
23.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
9.1 per 1,000
Urban Population
64.7%
Fertility Rate
3.21 births/woman
Infant Mortality
17.1 per 1,000
Literacy Rate
100.0%
Internet Users
74.3%
Under 15
33.0%
Over 65
6.7%
Health Spending
27.1% GDP
Gini Index
39.1
Age Distribution
0-14 years
3K
15-64 years
6K
65+ years
643
Urbanization
About 64.7% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Funafuti serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 255.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
6,244
64.7%
3,402
35.3%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 67.1 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 17.1 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. Near-universal literacy (100%) provides a strong foundation for workforce development and civic participation.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Tuvalu's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. As a United Nations member state, Tuvalu participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 9,646 |
| 2030 | 9,030 |
| 2035 | 8,392 |
| 2040 | 7,870 |
| 2045 | 7,437 |
| 2050 | 7,075 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Tuvalu?
The population of Tuvalu is approximately 9,646 as of 2026, making it #231 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Tuvalu?
The capital of Tuvalu is Funafuti.
What languages are spoken in Tuvalu?
The main languages spoken in Tuvalu are English, Tuvaluan.
How big is Tuvalu?
Tuvalu covers an area of 26 km² with a population density of 371 people per km².
Is Tuvalu growing or shrinking?
Tuvalu's population is declining at a rate of -1.75% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Tuvalu?
The average life expectancy in Tuvalu is 67.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Tuvalu?
The GDP per capita of Tuvalu is $6,345.