Tuvalu

Flag Description 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. Currency Australian dollar. Note: There is also a Tuvaluan dollar. Astronomy Today's date is May 17, 2008. There is currently a First Quarter Moon. Location Oceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the south pacific ocean, about one-half of the way from hawaii to australia. Climate Tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (march to november); westerly gales and heavy rain (november to march). Terrain Very low-lying and narrow coral atolls. Elevation Extremes The lowest point is at Pacific Ocean 0 m. The highest point is at unnamed location 5 m.

Nature & Science News

'Effective chemicals may be lost' - It is claimed tighter rules on pesticide use in Europe could lead to reduced yields and increases in food costs.

Wildlife populations 'plummeting' - Between a quarter and a third of the world's wildlife has been lost since 1970, says the Living Planet Index.

Small biomass option concern - Small-scale biomass power plants can have bigger enviro-impacts than other renewables, a study says.

Asbestos cancer chemo doubts - Chemotherapy does not help people with asbestos-related cancer, according to UK researchers.

Evolution rolls on for Mars rover - The wheels continue to turn on Europe's billion-euro project to put a robotic rover on the Red Planet's surface.

Mars probe set for risky descent - Scientists prepare for "seven minutes of terror" as the Phoenix spacecraft attempts to land on the surface.

Tuvalu

This is a map of Tuvalu. The map illustrates the location of Fongafale and its proximity to Tonga, Nul, Asau, and the South Pacific Ocean.

Index:
Placenames Around the World