Tonga Location : Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Capital City : Nuku'alofa
Curreny : pa'anga (TOP)
Languages Spoken : Tongan, English
Climate : tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December)
National Holiday : Independence Day, 4 June (1970)
Background Information
The archipelago of "The Friendly Islands" was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.
Geographical Note
archipelago of 169 islands (36 inhabited)
Economy
Tonga has a small, open economy with a narrow export base in agricultural goods. Squash, coconuts, bananas, and vanilla beans are the main crops, and agricultural exports make up two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. Tourism is the second largest source of hard currency earnings following remittances. The country remains dependent on external aid and remittances from Tongan communities overseas to offset its trade deficit. The government is emphasizing the development of the private sector, especially the encouragement of investment, and is committing increased funds for health and education. Tonga has a reasonable basic infrastructure and well-developed social services.
Religions
Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents)
Ports : Neiafu, Nuku'alofa, Pangai
International Disputes - Risks to travellers
: none
flight Nav: cheapest-flights-to.com
>
Tonga
flights
|
|
|
