Tuvalu is a small Pacific Islands nation that consists of nine atolls, with a total landmass of only 26 square kilometers (10 square miles). There are about 10,000 people living in the country. Tuvalu is a full member of the Commonwealth of the United Kingdom and joined the United Nations in 2000.

Tuvalu's long-term prospects are threatened by global climate change and an accompanying rise in the sea level. Tuvalu's atolls are low-lying and already have suffered adverse consequences, including degradation of water supplies and damage to housing and agriculture. The government has sought support from Australia and New Zealand for the eventual resettlement of the people of Tuvalu in case a further rise in the sea level renders the islands uninhabitable.

The Government

Tuvalu is a parliamentary democracy organized along the lines of the British system of government. The executive consists of a prime minister and cabinet that are accountable to...