Nukufetau is an atoll that is part of the nation of Tuvalu. The atoll was claimed by the US under the Guano Islands Act some time in the 19th century and was ceded in a treaty of friendship concluded in 1979 and coming into force in 1983. It has a population (2002 census) of 586 and consists of at least 33 isles:

The biggest island is Motulalo. Savave has a village. The junior school is Tutasi Primary School.

Arent Schuyler de Peyster, of New York, captain of the armed brigantine or privateer Rebecca, sailing under British colours, passed through the southern Tuvalu waters in May 1819 sighting Nukufetau. In 1820 the Russian explorer Mikhail Lazarev visited Nukufetau as commander of the Mirny.

The United States Exploring Expedition under Charles Wilkes visited Nukufetau in 1841.

Louis Becke, who later became a writer, operated a store on Nukufetau from February 1881 to August 1881. Becke later wrote a story about a fishing expedition: The Fisher Folk Of Nukufetau.

The population of Nukufetau from 1860-1900 is estimated to be 250 people.