Overview of Tonga

Profile

The Kingdom of Tonga is a constitutional monarchy composed of volcanic and coral reef islands in the southwest Pacific, with a long maritime history and unique hierarchical system. Most of the population is concentrated on Tongatapu Island where the capital Nuku'alofa is located, and the economy is supported by overseas remittances, agriculture and fisheries, and tourism against the backdrop of strong ties with Tongan communities living inside and outside the islands. Most of the population is Christian, and Sunday is strictly observed as a day of rest. Known for its beautiful seas, pristine nature, and activities such as swimming with whales, the country also has an international presence in sports such as rugby.

Official name

Kingdom of Tonga

Common name

Tonga

Numeric code

776

Alpha-3 code

TON

Alpha-2 code

TO

Population

Approximately 105,000 (2023)

Population density

Approximately 140 people/km2

Primary languages

Tongan, English

Major religions

Christianity (Methodist, Latter-day Saints, Catholic, etc.)

National anthem

Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga (God Save the King of Tonga)

Calling code

+676

Internet TLD

.to

History

Unified in the 19th century, became a British protectorate in 1900 while maintaining sovereignty, gained full independence in 1970, and transitioned to a parliamentary-led constitutional monarchy in 2010.

Tonga's history, beginning with the settlement of the Lapita people, reached its zenith during the 11th-13th centuries when the Tu'i Tonga Empire expanded its influence throughout Polynesia. In the mid-19th century, Taufa'ahau (George Tupou I) unified the archipelago and established a constitution in 1875. From 1900 to 1970, it was a British protectorate but retained internal independence through treaty, becoming a sovereign state within the Commonwealth in June 1970. Following democratization demands in the early 21st century, in 2010 the king transferred many executive powers to parliament, ending partial absolute monarchy. The 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption caused severe damage to the country, but recovery has been progressing with domestic and international support.

Geography & climate

Long narrow archipelago of submarine volcanic chains and coral reefs running vertically, with many volcanic islands on the west side facing the open ocean and low atoll islands on the east.

Tropical rainforest climate (Af)

Area

Oceania / 747 km²

Capital

Nuku'alofa

Largest city

Nuku'alofa

Coastal status

Yes

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (unicameral parliament and king)

Economy

Currency: Pa'anga (TOP)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 590 million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): Approximately 790 million International dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Tongan, English

Time zone: Tonga Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Tongans, European/Mixed, Fijians, Other Polynesians

Life expectancy

Approximately 71.3 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Rugby Union, Cricket (Kilikiti), Soccer, Weightlifting, Boxing, Volleyball

Flag

Emblem