Nanumea

Welcome to Nanumea, a Tropical island in the South Pacific Ocean, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Nanumea unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Nanumea
Size: 2.362 km²
Coastline: 14.8 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: South Pacific Ocean
Continent: Oceania
Nanumea is a Small Island spanning 2.4 km² with a coastline of 14.8 km.
Archipel: Polynesia – A region of more than 1,000 islands in the central and southern Pacific Ocean, known for their diverse Polynesian cultures, stunning landscapes, and marine biodiversity.
Tectonic Plate: Banda Sea – A small plate in the eastern Indonesian region, known for complex interactions with the Australian and Pacific plates, leading to notable seismic and volcanic activity.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: -5.68006246 / Longitude: 176.12506225
Climate and weather of Nanumea
Climate Zone: Tropical
Climate Details: Tropical Rainforest Climate
Temperature: Hot
Climate Characteristics: This climate is typified by heavy rainfall throughout the year, high humidity, and consistently high temperatures, leading to lush rainforests and rich biodiversity. Seasonal temperature variations are minimal.
Topography and nature of Nanumea
Timezone: UTC+12:00
Timezone places: Pacific/Auckland
Max. Elevation: 9 m
Mean Elevation: 5 m
Vegetation: Open Woodland
Tree Coverage: 75%
The mean elevation is 5 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 9 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plains: Flat, low-lying lands characterized by a maximum elevation of up to 200 meters. On islands, plains are typically coastal lowlands or central flat areas.
Dominating Vegetation: Open Woodland
Characterized by sparsely distributed trees with open canopy allowing sunlight to penetrate, supporting grasses and shrubs underneath. Often found in drier or transitional environments. Nanumea has a tree cover of 75 %.
Vegetation: 6 vegetation zones – Very Highly Diverse Island
Islands in this range are ecological powerhouses, showcasing a wide array of vegetation zones. Each zone, from lush rainforests to arid scrublands, coastal mangroves to mountainous regions, contributes to a complex and interdependent ecosystem. These islands are often hotspots of biodiversity, supporting numerous species and intricate ecological processes.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Nanumea
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Nanumea. The nearest airport is Funafuti International Airport, located 463 km away.
Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on Nanumea. The closest major port is FUNAFUTI ATOLL, approximately 457 km away.
The mean population of Nanumea is 326 per km². Nanumea is Moderately Inhabited. The island belongs to Tuvalu.
Continuing your journey, Nikunau is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Tuvalu is classified as Least developed region: Countries that exhibit the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development, with the lowest Human Development Index ratings. The level of income is Upper middle income.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Nanumea
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Nanumea. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- An entire island in the Pacific wants to surround itself with a colossal barrier against the ocean to try to escape increasingly violent waves and not be swallowed by the sea in the coming decades. - CPG Click Petróleo e Gásby "Nanumea island" - Google News on 13 April 2026
An entire island in the Pacific wants to surround itself with a colossal barrier against the ocean to try to escape increasingly violent waves and not be swallowed by the sea in the coming decades. CPG Click Petróleo e Gás
- SVC4SIDS and Kiribati working together to empower local fisheries: national inception, upgrading strategy, and lobster value chain mapping workshops - Food and Agriculture Organizationby "Nikunau island" - Google News on 19 December 2025
SVC4SIDS and Kiribati working together to empower local fisheries: national inception, upgrading strategy, and lobster value chain mapping workshops Food and Agriculture Organization
- Teen’s Pasifika hoodie business taking off - Moana Pasifika Rugbyby "Nikunau island" - Google News on 22 October 2025
Teen’s Pasifika hoodie business taking off Moana Pasifika Rugby
- Could building walls save the Pacific Islands from rising seas? - Australian Broadcasting Corporationby "Nanumea island" - Google News on 31 May 2025
Could building walls save the Pacific Islands from rising seas? Australian Broadcasting Corporation
- SVC4SIDS continues engagement and consultations for business planning in Kiribati - Food and Agriculture Organizationby "Nikunau island" - Google News on 27 May 2025
SVC4SIDS continues engagement and consultations for business planning in Kiribati Food and Agriculture Organization
- VIDEO: Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project - Dredging Todayby "Nanumea island" - Google News on 3 March 2025
VIDEO: Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project Dredging Today
- Protecting Tuvalu’s Nanumea Island from sea level rise - Dredging Todayby "Nanumea island" - Google News on 22 October 2024
Protecting Tuvalu’s Nanumea Island from sea level rise Dredging Today
- TCAP VIDEO Update: Nanumea works at 70% completion - Dredging Todayby "Nanumea island" - Google News on 27 September 2024
TCAP VIDEO Update: Nanumea works at 70% completion Dredging Today
- Tuvaluans are preparing for life in Australia as rising tides swallow their country - Australian Broadcasting Corporationby "Nanumea island" - Google News on 11 September 2024
Tuvaluans are preparing for life in Australia as rising tides swallow their country Australian Broadcasting Corporation
- Engineering Resilience: Protecting Tuvalu’s Nanumea Island from Sea Level Rise - UNDPby "Nanumea island" - Google News on 5 September 2024
Engineering Resilience: Protecting Tuvalu’s Nanumea Island from Sea Level Rise UNDP
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.
