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In 1974, ethnic differences within the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands caused the Polynesians of the Ellice Islands to vote for separation from the Micronesians of the Gilbert Islands. The following year, the Ellice Islands became the separate British colony of Tuvalu. Independence was granted in 1978. In 2000, Tuvalu negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv" for $50 million in royalties over the next dozen years.
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Country
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Surface Area: 26 square km
Population: 11,146 (July 2002 est.)
Located in: Oceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean
Capital City: Funafuti; note - administrative offices are located in Vaiaku Village on Fongafale Islet
Head of State: Queen ELIZABETH II, represented by Governor General Sir Tomasi PUAPUA, M.D.
Prime Minister: Koloa TALAKE
Independent since: 1 October 1978 (from UK)
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
Flag (image): 
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