Introduction
Tuvalu, the world's second-smallest country and, according to the United Nations, one of the least developed, fulfils the classic image of a South Sea paradise. Tourist numbers are low and visitors come to the islands to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and palm-fringed beaches. Pandanus, papaya, banana, breadfruit and coconut palms are typical. Most activity is centred in the capital, Funafuti, where the greatest attraction is the enormous Funafuti Lagoon. The lagoon is 14km (9 miles) wide and about 18km (11 miles) long and is excellent for swimming and snorkelling. The Funafuti Marine Conservation Area is now open to the public. This protected marine park, consisting of six tiny islets, has abundant sea and wildlife, including numerous tropical fish, sea birds and turtles. Access is by private or chartered boat. Privately owned boats are available for hire and trips can be made to the many beautiful uninhabited islets in the Funafuti atoll. A short distance from the Vaiaku Lagi Hotel is the Women's Handicraft Centre, where locally crafted goods are on sale (see Social Profile section). Also worth visiting are the Philatelic Bureau, which provides stamps to collectors all over the world, and the University of the South Pacific Centre, which sells a range of books relating to Tuvalu and the surrounding region. Another point of interest is the spot that made Tuvalu the focus of international scientific attention almost 100 years ago, when an expedition was sent from London to drill far into the ground to prove Charles Darwin's theory on the formation of coral atolls. The second most populated island in the atoll is Funafala, which can be visited by taking the Funafuti Island Council's catamaran (three times a week for a stop of two hours). There are no shops in Funafala, so visitors should take their own provisions. Traditional buildings with thatched roofs can be seen virtually everywhere on the islands.
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