Tuvalu experiences westerly gales and heavy rain from October to March, the period that is known as Tau-o-lalo, with tropical temperatures moderated by easterly winds from April to November.
Australian and Tuvaluan currency are both in use, but transactions over A$1 are always conducted in Australian Dollars. For details of Australian Dollar denominations and exchange rates, see the Australia section.
The Islands of Tuvalu consist of six atolls and reef islands. The smallest, Niulakita, was uninhabited until it was settled by people from Niutao in 1949.