Tonga

I

Introduction

Tonga, independent Polynesian monarchy in the south-western Pacific Ocean, situated about 650 km (400 mi) east of Fiji and 2,003 km (1,245 mi) north-east of New Zealand. It consists of an archipelago of more than 170 islands and islets running generally north-south and forming three main groups—Tongatapu, Ha’apai, and Vava’u—and several outlying islands. Total land area is about 750 sq km (290 sq mi). Nuku’alofa is the capital and largest city of Tonga.

II

Land and Resources

The Tongatapu and Ha’apai groups are mainly low-lying coral islands, while the Vava’u group is volcanic and mountainous; some of the volcanoes are active. Tongatapu Island, at 261 sq km (101 sq mi), is the largest and most fertile of all the Tonga Islands. It is also home to approximately 70 per cent of the population.

The main islands are covered with luxuriant vegetation, notably palm trees. The fauna includes a variety of birds and the fruit bat (also known as the flying fox). The climate is tropical, tempered by maritime influences. The average annual temperature is about 21° C (70° F); rainfall exceeds 2,000 mm (78 in) annually.

III

Population

Tonga has a population of 118,993 (2008 estimate), which yields a population density of 166 people per sq km (429 per sq mi). The capital, Nuku’alofa, a small seaport on northern Tongatapu Island, has a population of 35,000 (2003 estimate). The inhabitants are almost entirely Polynesians; the vast majority of them are Christian, belonging to the Free Wesleyan Methodist tradition. Tongan, an Austronesian language, and English are the official languages. Tongan is a mother tongue for nearly all the population; English is known as a second language.

IV

Economy

Tonga’s gross national product in 2004 was US$190 million, equivalent to US$2,250 per head (World Bank). The monetary unit is the pa’anga (T$) of 100 sentini (T$2.07 equalled US$1; early 2008).

The economy is primarily agricultural. Commercial crops are mainly coconuts, yams, and taro. Since the 1970s, vanilla has become another important cash crop. Cassava, sweet potatoes, vegetables, melons, bananas, and citrus fruits are also grown, mainly for food; there is also some fishing. In 2005 there were approximately 81,000 pigs, 11,400 horses, and 11,250 cattle.

Offshore petroleum deposits were discovered around Tongatapu in the late 1970s and plans are under way to exploit these. Small-scale industry, tourism (40,000 visitors in 2006), and the remittances of Tongans working overseas are also important factors in the Tongan economy.

An international airport is located near Nuku’alofa. Tonga has 680 km (184 mi) of paved roads, and no railways. There is one daily newspaper, the Tonga Chronicle, a single independent radio service, and a local television service. Education is free and compulsory between the ages of 5 and 14; the ‘Atensi Institute offers some degree courses. The University of the South Pacific also serves the island.