HISTORIC TIMELINE
1568First European Contact
Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña becomes the first European to sight Tuvalu.
1819Naming of Funafuti
The island of Funafuti is named Ellice's Island.
1892British Protectorate
Tuvalu is declared a British protectorate by Captain Herbert Gibson.
1974Referendum for Administration
A referendum determines separate administration for Gilbert and Ellice Islands.
1975End of Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony
The colony officially ceases to exist, leading to the formation of Tuvalu.
1978Tuvalu Independence
Tuvalu becomes fully independent as a sovereign state within the Commonwealth.
2000UN Membership
Tuvalu becomes the 189th member of the United Nations.