Life in the City of Tuvalu

Tuvalu is the capital of the Kingdom of Fiji. People from all over the world gather here in what is known as the crossroads to the Far East. Although trade has traditionally been one the major sources of income for Fiji industrial development is also quickly becoming important in the economy. North of the Island is where most commercial importing and exporting takes place. The Southern is mostly a residential section of the city where most homes are located, made up mainly of merchants, factory workers, etc. The east of the Island is where the Fijian Military Headquarters is based which includes a large Navel Yard, where many of the Fijian Navy largest ships are constructed, and a large scale complex system of hydraulic tanks, where fuel is produced and stored. The West is where Fiji's industrial development is most centered which includes the marketplace located in the center of the city. There are also a large number of factories which produces a variety of products.

The Town Itself

Tuvalu is a large city, which uses methane gas as its main energy source. In the center of the city it has the look reminiscent of what once could have been considered a downtown section of a pre-1985 city with streetlights, neon signs, etc. In other more rural parts of the island life seems to have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. The city is well fortified not only for defensive purposes but also to guard against devastating monsoons and hurricanes which have become much more violent since the war, although they have become less frequent in recent years. Like most of the Pacific, Tuvalu has a wet, tropical climate. Much of the recent sections of the city have been recently built as early as only a few decades ago. Most of the newer buildings are made from a variety of materials most often stone. Though glass is less expensive in the Pacific most buildings tend to use wooden shutters or iron bars. Although there are some sections in the southern and western parts of the city are more run down most of the city is very well kept.

The Streets

Outside of the city most roads are dirt. The streets of Tuvalu are usually gravel though the main roads are constructed by concrete or brick. There are hardly any gasoline run vehicles although vehicle spare parts and other items are a big industry. Military vehicles use roads for use exclusive to the military. Street lighting is also by methane gas. The city is usually very bright at night as the city is well lighted by the moonlight during most of the year. Electricity is also generated although is used primarily by the military and for emergency uses.

Policing and Public Safety

In the old days Tuvalu crime ranged from petty theft and pickpocketing to murder and full out gang wars. Though the Fijian Council paid little attention at first they soon stepped in as things began to get out of hand forming a section of the military to police the city which over time became the national police force. Though Tuvalu is much safer now people are still advised to remain cautious when traveling. Theft, illegal street fighting, bar room brawls, and Shanghai operations are still a problem. The Fijian Police Force are trained professional soldiers of the Fijian Military and have a reputation for being tough but fair.

Housing

Most people stay at taverns, which are usually paid in goods or work, although there are a large number of houses where local fisherman live near the shore who run boarding houses on this side as well.

Clothing Styles

The people of Tuvalu dress in a variety of ways. Most Fijians usually wear pre war style clothing such as jeans, t shirts, leather jackets, boots, etc. Though merchants tend to wear higher quality clothing such as wool or cotton.


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