Tonga

Country or Region Description

Nudging the international dateline, in a time zone of its own, the Kingdom of Tonga is the first land to see the dawn of each new day.

Tonga is unique. It's an independent constitutional monarchy and the only South Pacific country never to have been colonized. Spread over 7,700 km² (3000 square miles) of shimmering turquoise South Seas, these remarkably diverse islands reflect the natural beauty of ancient Polynesia. Truly deserving of the romantic description of being the land - "where time begins".

Tonga is a great stopover enroute to Downunder, travelling the Pacific or the World. It is also a fabulous one-stop vacation destination. Let us custom make an escape for you that also includes the best airfare. Escape to Samoa on one of our fabulous Getaway packages operated by IslandsEscapes… by Goway. We know the South Pacific.

Country Facts

Time: GMT + 13.

Area: 748 km² (289 mi²).

Population: 106,000 (UN estimate 2005).

Population Density: 141.7 per km².

Capital: Nuku'alofa. – Population: 35,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Language: Tongan and English.

Religion: Wesleyan Church, Roman Catholic and Anglican. Small denominations of Muslim, Baha'I and Mormon faiths.

Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Geography

Tonga is an archipelago of 176 islands in the South Pacific, most of which are uninhabited, covering an area of 7,700 km² (3,000 mi²). The major island groups are 'Eua, Ha'apai, the Niuas, Tongatapu and Vava'u. Tonga's high volcanic and low coral forms give the islands a unique character. Some volcanoes are still active and Falcon Island in the Vava'u group is a submerged volcano that erupts periodically, its lava and ash rising above sea level forming a visible island which disappears when the eruption is over. Nuku'alofa, on Tongatapu Island, has a reef-protected harbour lined with palms.

The island is flat with a large lagoon, but no running streams, and many surrounding smaller islands. 'Eua Island is hilly and forested with high cliffs and beautiful beaches . The Ha'apai Islands, a curving archipelago 160km (100 miles) north of Tongatapu, have excellent beaches. Tofua, the largest island in the group, is an active volcano with a hot steaming lake in its crater.

The Vava'u Islands, 90km (50 miles) north of Ha'apai, are hilly, densely wooded and interspersed with a maze of narrow channels. They are known for their stalagmite-filled caves.

Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained full independence within the Commonwealth in 1970.

Head of State: King George Tupou V since 2006.

Head of Government: Prime Minister Feleti (Fred) Sevele since 2006.

Recent History

In September 2006, after 41 years of rule, King Tupou IV died in his 80s in hospital in New Zealand . His son was immediately sworn in as the new king, but it could be a year before a full coronation takes place. It is expected that the king's death will fuel calls for greater democracy.

Things to know about Tonga before you go

The People

The majority of Tonga's 96,000 people live on Tongatapu. Polynesians by race, they speak Tongan and English.

Social Conventions

Shaking hands is a suitable form of greeting. Although by Western standards Tongan people are by no means rich, meals served to visitors will usually be memorable. A token of appreciation, while not expected, is always welcome, especially gifts from the visitor's homeland. Casual wear is acceptable, but beachwear should be confined to the beach . It is illegal for both men and women to go shirtless in public. Sunday is regarded as a sacred day, an aspect of Tongan life thrown into sharp relief by the controversy surrounding the so-called 'Tongan loop'.

The International Date Line forms a loop around the islands, thereby making them a day ahead of Samoa, even though Samoa is almost due north of Tonga. Members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church therefore maintain that a Tongan Sunday is really a Saturday, and are unwilling to attend church on a day which is only a Sunday because of an apparently arbitrary manifestation of international law. This complex and almost insoluble problem may cause visitors a certain amount of confusion, but travellers to Tonga are advised to respect the religious beliefs of the islanders.

History

Archaeologists claim Tonga has been inhabited since the 5th century BC. It was first discovered by two Dutch navigators in 1616. They were followed by Tasman, Wallis, Captain Cook, Bligh of the Bounty whose sailors mutineered in Tongan waters, and the missionaries.

Today the Kingdom of Tonga is ruled by King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV who reigns as a constitutional monarch.

Formerly a British protectorate, Tonga gained its independence in 1970 and is now part of the British Commonwealth.

Nature

Vegetation is typically South Pacific with masses of hibiscus and frangipani, coconut groves, pandanus palms and banana plantations.

Not far from Nuku'alofa hundreds of flying foxes cling to high trees at Kolovai. Frigate birds are common, as are the Pacific golden plover, the Pacific black duck, swiftlets (Pacific swallows) and the blue crowned lorikeet.

Tonga was the first Pacific island country to create marine parks or sanctuaries. Four such parks now exist, rich in fish, coral and marine life.

Climate

A warm tropical Climate exists throughout the year. There is a mild, dry season May through October, with a hotter, humid season November through April.

Currency

The Tongan dollar or pa'anga equals 100 seniti (cents). Notes are in 50 seniti, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 p'anga denominations. Coins are in 1, 2, 5, 10 and 50 seniti, also 1 & 2 p'anga. Foreign currency exchange is available at most major hotels and the Bank of Tonga. Banking hours are 9:30am - 3:30pm Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 11am Sat. The Bank of Tonga has branches on Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai and 'Eua.

Shopping

Tonga offers duty free items, Island handcrafts and Island wear such as mumus and the Tongan "Pulisami". Regular shopping hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm. All main stores close on Saturday at 12 noon and do not reopen until Monday. There is no trading of any manner on Sunday.

Medical & Health

Piped water supplies are chlorinated, and are satisfactory for drinking. There are comprehensive medical and dental facilities available.

Arrival Guide

Major Centres

Nuku' alofa is the capital and home of the Royal Palace. Other Major Centres are Eua island, an ideal retreat for hikers, adventurers and naturalists, and Vava'u island which has two beautiful beaches on the main island and a scenic drive around the west coast with stunning views of Port of Refuge Harbour and the numerous outer islands.

Ha'apai island is a favourite with visitors who are invited to stay in the village and participate in all aspects of village life from 'kava' ceremonies, feasting and dancing to hunting 'feke' octopus with village fishermen in outrigger canoes.