Geography and demographics

The Kingdom of Tonga is South Pacific country comprised of an archipelago of 36 inhabited islands. It covers more than 740 square kilometres, and has a population of approximately 104,000 people. Its capital, Nuku’alofa, is also its most populous city. Its two official languages are Tongan and English.

Politics

Tonga is a constitutional monarchy, the only governance system of its kind in the Pacific. The head of government is the Prime Minister, who is elected by the Parliament and appointed by the Monarch. This has 26 seats, of which approximately 17 are elected through popular vote, while the others are elected from among the nobles.

Economy

Tonga’s economic sectors include tourism, the manufacturing of handicrafts, tourism, the private sector, agriculture, and a growing construction sector. Some of the primary agricultural activities include the growing of corn, vanilla beans and squash. The currency is the Pa’anga (TOP).

Tourism

The tourism industry in Tonga is steadily growing. It is well-known for its whale watching, and swimming with humpback whales is a popular tourist activity. Other adventure sports include snorkelling, diving, kayaking, kite surfing, sailing, and fishing. For more leisurely activities, tourists can visit Tonga’s pristine beaches, explore its rich cultural history through its traditional villages, or go on a bird watching tour.