When Tuvalu elects its parliament on Friday, it will be under greater international attention than in previous years. Economically, the archipelago, which consists of six atolls and three reef islands, has little international relevance. With an area of just 26 square kilometers, Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world, after Nauru, Monaco and Vatican City; less than 12,000 people live here. But two factors put the dwarf state on the international map: firstly, the islands barely protrude from the Pacific Ocean; the highest point in the country is on the island of Niulakita, just 4.6 meters above sea level. Tuvalu is therefore one of the countries most affected by rising sea levels as a result of climate change. And secondly, Tuvalu is one of twelve countries that maintain full diplomatic relations with Taiwan. This could change after the elections.
