This study documents the recent history of Tuvalu, a group of nine small atolls in the western Pacific. Formerly a crown colony, Tuvalu has been independent from Great Britain since 1978. The population is approximately 8,300. Children in Tuvalu attend primary schools through grade 10. In 1986 there were 9 government primary schools with a total enrollment of more than 1,000 children. Secondary education is offered at one school (enrolling 269 students in 1981) and provided cooperatively by the government and the Tuvalu Church (London Missionary Society) to which 97% of the population belong. The study also includes a 15-item bibliography. (NL)