Tuvalu is about to become the 205th country eligible to compete in the Olympics.
The Pacific nation is among the world's smallest with a population of only 12 thousand.
It will be recommended for membership to the IOC Session later this week in Guatemala City.
Tuvalu gained independence from Britain in 1978 and was recognised by the United Nations in 2000.
Nearby Kiribati joined the IOC in 2003.
