19.04.2025 12:11
The island nation of Tuvalu is experiencing the joy of using an ATM for the first time. This milestone on the island in the Pacific Ocean was celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony.
Tuvalu, located in the Pacific Ocean and with a population of only 11,200, has experienced the joy of using an ATM for the first time. As officials gathered in front of one of the ATMs on the country's main island, Funafuti, Prime Minister Feleti Teo cut a cake, stating that the ATM is an important milestone for the country. Tuvalu, one of the most remote corners of the world, consists of nine small islands surrounded by various exotic fish and colorful corals.
FIRST ATM OPENED WITH CAKE CUTTING
Located between Australia and Hawaii, Tuvalu is so isolated that all shopping done by locals or visitors is always conducted in cash. On April 15, the country implemented a revolutionary innovation. As officials gathered in front of one of the first ATMs set up on the main island, Funafuti, Prime Minister Feleti Teo described the installation of ATMs as "an important milestone." Last Tuesday, Prime Minister Teo introduced the new machines to local leaders and cut a huge chocolate cake to celebrate the ATMs. According to a report by Türkiye Gazetesi, Siose Teo, the general manager of the Tuvalu National Bank operating the machines, stated, "A great success. It will open doors for the economic empowerment of the Tuvaluan people, a transformative change."
INTERNAL TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED BY FERRY
With a population of approximately 11,200, Tuvalu is one of the smallest countries in the world, consisting of nine small islands covering a total area of only 25 square kilometers. According to government data, only 3,000 tourists visited the country in 2023, as it does not have many visitors. In Funafuti, there is an airport that serves only a few flights each week from its Pacific neighbor, Fiji. When planes are not landing, the runway is used by locals for various activities ranging from rugby to football. Since there are no domestic flights within the country, inter-island transportation is provided by ferry. With its highest point only 15 meters above sea level, Tuvalu is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels and is one of the countries most threatened by the climate crisis.