16 Jan 1568 Spanish Capt. Álvaro de Mendaña y Neyra discovers
Nui Island
which he names Isla de Jesus.
29 Aug 1595 Álvaro de Mendaña y Neyra discovers Niulakita
Island which he
names La Solitaria.
1764 Discovered by British Capt. John Byron, named Lagoon Islands.
05 May 1781 Spanish Capt. Francisco Maurelle discovers
Nanumanga Island
which he names Isla de Cocal.
May 1819 American Capt. Arent de Peyster on a British ship
names
Nukefetau as de Peyster's Group and
names the Funafuti as
Ellice's Group.
06 Nov 1821 U.S. Capt. George Barrett discovers Nukulaelae
Island and
rediscovers Niulakita.
1841 U.S. Exploring Expedition commanded by Charles
Wilkes visited
three of Tuvalu's islands.
16 Oct 1892 Part of the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands
01 Oct 1975 Separate dependency as Ellice Islands.
01 Oct 1975 - 02 Jan 1976 Part of the British Western Pacific Territories.
01 Oct 1978 Independence from Britain as Tuvalu.
07 Feb 1979 U.S. recognizes Funafuti, Nukefetau, Nukulaelae,
and Nurakita
(Niulakita) atolls as part of
Tuvalu (effective 23 Sep 1983).
Feb 1986 Referendum votes against becoming a republic.
30 Apr 2008 Referendum again votes against becoming a republic.
Tuvalu (formerly the Ellice or Lagoon Islands of the Gilbert and Ellice
Islands), located in the South Pacific north of the Fiji Islands, has an
area of 10 sq. mi. (26 sq.km.) and a population of around 9,000.
Capital: Funafuti
(administrative offices are located in Vaiaku Village on Fongafale
Islet). Motto: "Tuvalu mo te Atua"
(Tuvalu for the Almighty).
The independent state includes the islands of Nanumanga, Nanumea, Nui,
Niutao, Viatupa, Funafuti, Nukufetau, Nukulailai and Nurakita. The latter
four islands were claimed by the United States until relinquished by the
Feb. 07, 1979, Treaty of Friendship signed by the United States and Tuvalu.
The principal industries are copra production and phosphate mining. The
islands were discovered in 1764 by John Byron, a British navigator, and
annexed by Britain in 1892. In 1915 they became part of the crown colony of
the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. In 1974 the islanders voted to separate from
the Gilberts, becoming on Jan. 01, 1976, the separate constitutional
dependency of Tuvalu. Full independence was attained on Oct. 01, 1978.
Tuvalu is a member of
the Commonwealth of Nations. Elizabeth II is Head of State as Queen of
Tuvalu.
Currency:Tuvaluan
Dollar(TVD)
= 100 cents were introduced since 1976. Australian Dollar (AUD) are also
used. Both currencies are pegged one to one.
KM#27 20 Dollars. Year:
1994.
Weight: 31.70g.
Metal:
0.925 Silver. Diameter:
41.00 mm. Edge:
Reeded.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint: N/A.
Obverse: Crowned head right. Reverse:
Blue Coral seascape.
Mintage: N/A.
Minted Years: One
year type.
Subject:
Protect Our World. Ruler:
Elizabeth II [Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor].
Queen Elizabeth II is the head of the state, 01 Oct 1978 - 01 Oct 1986: "By
the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the
Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith"; from 1 Oct 1986: "By the Grace of God,
Queen of Tuvalu and of Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the
Commonwealth."
Chiefs of Funafuti (title Aliki tupu)
Local chieftaincies, increasingly in contact with
Europeans from the 18th century on, particularly whalers.
Telematua
Kaitosuga
Tailoa I
Tailoa II
Tepaolo
Salaika
Polau
Tauasa
Silimaiau
Tila
Sokomani
Talafou
Featule
Teleke
Matavai
Iakopo
Manu
Protectorate of Great Britain...........................1892 - 1916
