Map - Nanumea

Nanumea is the northwesternmost atoll in the Polynesian nation of Tuvalu, a group of nine coral atolls and islands spread over about 400 mi of the Pacific Ocean just south of the equator and west of the International Date Line. Nanumea is 4 km2 with a population of 512 people (2017 census).

Located along one edge of the so-called Polynesian triangle, Nanumea lies just south of the Gilbert Islands, which are Micronesian in language and culture. Nanumea is a classic atoll, a series of low islets sitting on a coral reef shelf surrounding a lagoon. About 12 km long by 2.5 km wide in overall size, the dry land area is about 3.9 sqkm. The two largest islets Nanumea and Lakena, which comprise 90% of the dry land area of the atoll.

Since the early 1990s, the use of nets and spearing has been prohibited in all parts of the lagoon and the Nanumea Conservation Area was established in 2006. The Nanumea Conservation Area covers about 2 sqkm of the central lagoon and consists of about 10% of the reef area of the atoll, including marine habitats and 2 islets. A survey of the conservation zone was conducted in 2010.

The largest villages are Haumaefa with 187 people (2012) and Lolua with 187 people (2012). The junior school is Kaumaile Primary School. There are scattered households across the lagoon from Nanumea village at Matagi and on Motu Foliki, and on the southeastern tip of Lakena islet. Aside from Nanumea and Lakena there are three much smaller islets, Motu Foliki, Lafogaki and Te Afua-a-Taepoa spread around the encircling reef flat. There are 2 mangrove forests, a small patch to the south of Nanumea and another on the islet of Lakena.

The pulaka pits are located on Lakena, as the Nanumeans want the main island of Nanumea to remain mosquito free. Pulaka (swamp taro) is grown in large pits of composted soil below the water table.

In 2011, the kou leafworm (Ethmia nigroapicella) had a devastating impact on Nanumea by stripping the leaves of the Kanava trees (Cordia subcordata, beach cordia). The Kanava trees provide coastal protection, wind shelter, shade and are habitats for sea birds. The flowers of the Kanava are also locally prized.

In March 2015 Nanumea suffered damage to houses, crops and infrastructure as the result of storm surges caused by Cyclone Pam.