group of islands in the WC Pacific, north of Fiji: under British control, 1892-1978; name changed to Tuvalu in 1976 and as such became independent in 1978
a parliamentary state consisting of a group of islands in the central Pacific, S of the equator: a former British colony; gained independence 1978. 10 sq. mi. (26 sq. km). Capital: Funafuti.
