Why in the news?

• Tuvalu has officially joined the IUCN as the 90th state member of IUCN.

Tuvalu

• Location:
  • Tuvalu is an island country in the west-central Pacific Ocean, situated roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia.
  • It lies within Polynesia, bordered by Kiribati to the north and Fiji to the south.
• Area: Fourth smallest country in the world.
• Capital: Funafuti
• Geological Origin: Comprises nine small islands and atolls made up of coral reefs and volcanic rock.
• Topography: Extremely low-lying and the highest natural point is only 4.5 metres above sea level.
• Hydrology: Due to the absence of rivers or streams, they rely on rainwater harvesting and groundwater lenses.
• Climate: Hot and humid tropical climate, influenced by El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
• Biodiversity: Limited terrestrial life, surrounded by rich coral ecosystems vulnerable to bleaching.