Its nearest neighbours are Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa and Fiji.
It comprises four reef islands and five true atolls.
Its population of 10,507 (2017 Census)[1] makes it among the least-populated sovereign states in the world.
Funafuti Airfield was built by United States Navy Seabee construction battalions in 1943 during World War II.
During World War II, the American forces also built airfields on Nanumea and Motulalo, which is the largest atoll of Nukufetau.