Tuvalu

This cluster of South Pacific atolls, once part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony, achieved independence from Britain and joined the Commonwealth in 1978. Farming is limited due to poor soils and lack of fresh water. Mainstays are fishing, sales of copra and postage stamps, and remittances from Tuvaluans working abroad. Revenue also comes from a trust fund created by the U.K. and Pacific-area sponsors.