Funafuti is an atoll that forms the capital of the island nation of Tuvalu. It has a population of 4,492 (2002 Census), making it the most populated atoll in the country. It is a narrow sweep of land between 20 and 400 metres wide, encircling a large lagoon 18 km long and 14 km wide. With a surface of 275 km2, it is by far the largest lagoon in Tuvalu. The land area of the 33 islets aggregates to 2.4 km2, less than one percent of the total area of the atoll. There is an airstrip, hotel (Vaiaku Langi Hotel), and administrative buildings, as well as homes, constructed both in the traditional manner, out of palm fronds, and more recently out of cement blocks. The most prominent building on Funafuti atoll is the Fetu Ao Lima of the Church of Tuvalu. Other sites of interest are the remains of Japanese aircraft that crashed on Funafuti during World War II, when the airstrip was used by the forces of the USA, to defend the Gilbert
Islands and the Marshall Islands.
The largest island is Fongafale. The island houses four villages, including Vaiaku, seat of the Tuvalu government. There are two junior schools, Nauti Primary School and SDA Primary School. The Church of Tuvalu operates Fetuvalu High School. The University of the South Pacific (USP) Extension Centre on Funafuti operates the Augmented Foundation Programme for sixth form students who pass their Pacific Secondary School Certificate (PSSC) so that the students can enter tertiary education programmes outside of Tuvalu. The Princess Margaret Hospital on Funafuti is the only hospital in Tuvalu.
The capital of Tuvalu is sometimes given as Fongafale or Vaiaku, but the entire atoll of Funafuti is officially the capital.
Tausoalima Falekaupule is the traditional meeting house on Funafuti – Tausoalima means “hand of friendship” and Falekaupule means traditional island meeting hall
