# Tonga

> sovereign state in Oceania, situated on an archipelago

**Wikidata**: [Q678](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q678)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonga)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tonga

## Summary
Tonga is a sovereign state in Oceania, situated on an archipelago of 176 islands, primarily located in Polynesia. It gained independence from British rule in 1970 and is known for its traditional monarchy, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, including the Haʻapai Group, Vavaʻu, and Tongatapu. The country is a constitutional monarchy with a population of approximately 105,000 people, primarily concentrated on the main island of Tongatapu.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Kingdom of Tonga
- **Area**: 747 square kilometers
- **Capital**: Nukuʻalofa
- **Independence Date**: June 4, 1970
- **Population**: 105,697 (2020)
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -21°, Longitude -175°
- **Continent**: Oceania
- **Highest Point**: Mount Kao (1,030 meters)
- **Lowest Point**: Pacific Ocean (0 meters)
- **Timezone**: UTC+13:00 (Pacific/Tongatapu)
- **National Flag**: Flag of Tonga
- **Coat of Arms**: Coat of arms of Tonga
- **Anthem**: National Anthem of Tonga
- **Motto**: "Ko e ʻOtua mo Tonga ko hoku tofiʻa" (God and Tonga are my inheritance)
- **Nicknames**: "Friendly Islands"
- **National Language**: Tongan; English is widely spoken
- **Currency**: Tongan paʻanga (TOP)
- **Driving Side**: Left-hand traffic
- **Electricity**: 240 volts, 50 Hz (AS/NZS 3112 plug type)
- **Emergency Number**: 911
- **International Calling Code**: +676
- **Internet TLD**: .to
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: TO, Alpha-3: TON, Numeric: 776
- **M49 Code**: 776
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: A3
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 570
- **Mobile Country Code**: 539

## FAQs
**What type of government does Tonga have?**
Tonga is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The head of state is the King, currently Tupou VI, while the Prime Minister, currently ʻAisake Eke, serves as the head of government. The Legislative Assembly of Tonga is the unicameral parliament.

**What is Tonga's current population and demographic profile?**
As of 2020, Tonga's population is approximately 105,697. The population is concentrated on the main island of Tongatapu, with rural areas in Haʻapai and Vavaʻu. The birth rate is 23.4 per 1,000 people, and the death rate is 6.9 per 1,000 people. Life expectancy at birth is around 71 years.

**What are Tonga's economic indicators?**
Tonga's nominal GDP was $469 million in 2021. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 37.6 (2015). The unemployment rate is estimated to be around 10%. The VAT rate is 15%. The economy relies heavily on tourism, remittances, and fishing.

**What international organizations is Tonga a member of?**
Tonga is a member of the United Nations (since 1999), World Trade Organization (since 2007), Commonwealth of Nations (since 1970), UNESCO (since 1980), and many other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

**What is Tonga's human development status?**
Tonga's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.745 (2021), classified as "High." The Inequality-adjusted HDI is 0.666 (2021). Life expectancy at birth is 71 years (2022).

**What are Tonga's major holidays and public celebrations?**
Public holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), Independence Day (June 4), Christmas (December 25), and Tonga Day (June 4). Other significant celebrations include the King's Birthday and the National Day.

**What administrative divisions does Tonga have?**
Tonga is divided into three main administrative divisions: ʻEua district, Haʻapai district, Niua district, and Tongatapu. Each division has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

**What is Tonga's relationship with neighboring countries?**
Tonga shares maritime borders with Fiji, Samoa, and American Samoa. It has diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and China. The country maintains strong cultural and historical ties with these nations.

## Why It Matters
Tonga matters as a unique and culturally rich destination in the Pacific, known for its traditional Polynesian culture, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality. The country's traditional monarchy and vibrant festivals, such as the Tonga Festival, attract tourists from around the world. Tonga's commitment to sustainability and conservation has earned it recognition in international forums. The country's economy relies heavily on tourism, making it a vital part of the Pacific region's economic landscape. Tonga's unique cultural heritage and natural beauty make it a significant player in the global tourism industry.

## Notable For
- **UNESCO World Heritage Site**: The Haʻapai Group, Vavaʻu, and Tongatapu are recognized for their natural and cultural significance.
- **Traditional Monarchy**: Tonga's traditional monarchy is one of the last remaining monarchies in the world, with a rich history dating back centuries.
- **Vibrant Culture**: Tonga is known for its traditional dance, music, and festivals, which are celebrated worldwide.
- **Natural Beauty**: The country's stunning landscapes, including waterfalls, beaches, and volcanic islands, attract nature lovers.
- **Sustainable Tourism**: Tonga's commitment to sustainable tourism has earned it recognition as a leader in eco-tourism.
- **Cultural Exchange**: Tonga's unique cultural heritage and traditions have influenced and been influenced by other Pacific Island nations.
- **Historical Significance**: Tonga's history as a British protectorate and its eventual independence in 1970 is a significant event in Pacific history.

## Body

### History and Independence
Tonga's history dates back to the 12th century when Polynesian settlers arrived on the islands. The country was first contacted by Europeans in the 18th century, with British missionaries establishing a presence in the 19th century. Tonga became a British protectorate in 1875, and this relationship continued until the country gained full independence on June 4, 1970. The Declaration of Independence was formalized following negotiations between Britain and Tonga, with the Treaty of London establishing the country's boundaries.

Prior to independence, the territory was known as the Kingdom of Tonga, and it was ruled by a traditional monarchy. The country's name derives from the Tongan language, which means "south wind" or "friendly islands."

### Geography and Environment
Tonga occupies a territory of 747 square kilometers in the South Pacific. The country lies at coordinates latitude -21° and longitude -175°, placing it entirely in the Southern Hemisphere. The landscape is characterized by volcanic islands, coral atolls, and lush rainforests. The highest point is Mount Kao (1,030 meters), and the lowest point is the Pacific Ocean (0 meters). The country is located within the Polynesian Triangle and is named after the Tongan language.

The country is divided into three main administrative divisions: ʻEua district, Haʻapai district, Niua district, and Tongatapu. Each division has its own unique cultural and environmental features, contributing to the country's diversity.

### Government and Politics
Tonga operates as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The head of state is the King, currently Tupou VI, who was crowned in 2015. The Prime Minister, currently ʻAisake Eke, serves as the head of government. The Legislative Assembly of Tonga is the unicameral parliament, consisting of 15 members elected for a five-year term.

The country's political system is characterized by a strong tradition of democratic governance, with multiple political parties competing in regular elections. The Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (DPFI) has been a significant political force in recent decades. Tonga's democracy index score of 8.85 (2021) places it among the top 15 most democratic nations.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2020, the population is approximately 105,697. The population is concentrated on the main island of Tongatapu, with rural areas in Haʻapai and Vavaʻu. The society is highly urbanized, with the urban population reaching 24,711 in 2022 compared to a rural population of 82,147. The life expectancy at birth is approximately 71 years (2022). The birth rate is 23.4 per 1,000 people, and the death rate is 6.9 per 1,000 people.

The official language is Tongan, with English widely spoken. Compulsory education begins at age 5 and continues until age 16. The age of majority is 18. The preferred retirement age is 65 years.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy is characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs. The nominal GDP was $469 million in 2021. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 37.6 (2015). The unemployment rate is estimated to be around 10%. The VAT rate is 15%.

The currency is the Tongan paʻanga (TOP), which is pegged to the Australian dollar. The Reserve Bank of Tonga serves as the central bank. The median income is approximately $2,000. Individual income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 10% to 33%.

Infrastructure includes a left-hand traffic system. Speed limits vary by road type: 130 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on two-lane expressways, 80 km/h on paved rural roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. The electrical system operates at 240V and 50Hz using AS/NZS 3112 plugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
Tonga maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and China. It is a member of the United Nations (since 1999), World Trade Organization (since 2007), Commonwealth of Nations (since 1970), UNESCO (since 1980), and many other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag is the Flag of Tonga. The coat of arms is the Coat of arms of Tonga. The anthem is the National Anthem of Tonga. The motto is "Ko e ʻOtua mo Tonga ko hoku tofiʻa" (God and Tonga are my inheritance). The country is known by the nickname "Friendly Islands."

Cultural highlights include the traditional dance, music, and festivals, which are celebrated worldwide. The country's unique cultural heritage and traditions have influenced and been influenced by other Pacific Island nations. The capital, Nukuʻalofa, is a vibrant cultural hub, with numerous museums, galleries, and cultural centers.

### Administrative Divisions
Tonga is divided into three main administrative divisions: ʻEua district, Haʻapai district, Niua district, and Tongatapu. Each division has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity. The divisions are further subdivided into smaller administrative units, such as villages and districts.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
The country uses the .to top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +676. The aircraft registration prefix is A3. The maritime identification digits are 570. The mobile country code is 539.

The ISO codes are Alpha-2: TO, Alpha-3: TON, Numeric: 776. The M49 code is 776. The emergency number is 911. The timezone is UTC+13:00 (Pacific/Tongatapu).

## References

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6. [Source](https://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/tonga)
7. [Source](https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/countries_e/tonga_e.htm)
8. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
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11. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/tonga)
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26. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=TO)
27. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
28. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
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41. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
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