Nukulaelae

Nukulaelae is an atoll in the country of Tuvalu with a population of 300 people (2017 census). Pepesala, the main settlement on Fangaua islet, has a population of 300 people (2017 Census). It is oval in shape and consists of at least 15 islets. Fangaua, the populated islet, is 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) long and 50 to 200 meters (160 to 660 feet) wide. Niuoko islet is Tuvalu's easternmost point. The Nukulaelae Conservation Area encompasses the lagoon's eastern end. In 2010, a baseline survey of marine species in the protection zone was done.

According to the island's traditional history, a white-skinned guy was the first to see it, but he did not settle because there were no trees. Nukulaelae is Hawaiian for "country of sands." Later, on a fishing trip, Valoa from Vaitupu discovered Nukulaelae, according to legend. He returned to Nukulaelae and cultivated coconut trees before settling there with his family. Fagafale, a malae on the islet of Tumuiloto, performed religious rights honoring ancestor spirits. On the islet of Niuoka, there is a massive stone known as Te Faleatua, which translates as "the abode of the gods."

Location: Tuvalu