tuholais

Tuholais are an ethnolinguistic community living in the Tuha Archipelago, a chain of islands in the northern Naean region. They traditionally rely on coastal and island ecosystems for subsistence, combining fishing, seaweed harvesting, and agroforestry. The name derives from Tuha, the largest island, and from their self-designation, Tuholai, in their language.

The Tuholais language is an Austronesian tongue with several dialects across the archipelago. It is commonly used at home and in local media, while a national language is used in education and administration.

Historically, the Tuholais trace origins to seafaring communities that built a regional trade network with mainland kingdoms in the medieval era. In the modern era, the archipelago became part of a larger state, achieving autonomy in 1958 and full independence in 1972.

Society is organized around a federation of clans, with an elders council serving as the main authority for customary law, dispute resolution, and community projects. Kinship-based rites and seasonal ceremonies orient social life, including a monsoon festival and sea-rite performances.

Economy centers on fisheries, seaweed farming, coconut products, and timber, with a growing role for sustainable tourism. Education includes universal primary schooling and bilingual instruction in Tuholais and the national language.

Demographically, the population is around 120,000, with diaspora communities in nearby islands and distant ports. Urban migration and remittances influence contemporary life.