Real Dictionary

Tuvalu in American English
country consisting of a group of nine islands in the WC Pacific: a British protectorate since 1892, it became independent & a member of the Commonwealth (1978): 10 sq mi (26 sq km); pop. 10,000; cap. Fongafale

Tuvalu in British English
noun: a country in the SW Pacific, comprising a group of nine coral islands: established as a British protectorate in 1892. From 1915 until 1975 the islands formed part of the British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands; achieved full independence in 1978;