Country guide - Tonga  

 
 

Introduction: Tonga is an archipelago located in the South West Pacific Ocean. The territory comprises 169 islands, of which 39 are inhabited. The archipelago consists of two parallel island chains.

Official Name: Kingdom of Tonga
Area: 747 Sq Km (288 Sq Miles)
Population: 108,141
Continent: Austrailia and Oceania
Density per square mile: 374
Capital City: Nuku'alofa
Religions: 61% Protestant, 16% Roman Catholic.

Language: Tongan, English
Government: Hereditary constitutional monarchy

Currency: Pa'anga
GDP: $236 million
GDP Per Head: $2,200

Natural Resources: Fish & fertile soil
Land Use: Arable Land 23.61%
Agriculture: Coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee, ginger, black pepper, squash & fish.
Industry: Tourism & fishing

Tourism: Tonga is blessed with a tropical climate 100's of Pacific islands, with fantastic beaches, surrounded by coral reefs, basking under a tropical sun. Pacific rainforest to crater lakes and to the lips of active volcanoes, diving to shipwrecks and underwater canyons

Natural Hazards: Cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou
Health Risks: There is some chance of hepatitis or bacterial infection.

Climate: Tonga has a subtropical climate characterised by warm period from December to April and a cool period from May to November, with most rainfall occurring during the warm period. Average annual rainfall is 66 inches. Average temperature ranges in Nuku'alofa are from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius in July to 23 to 29 degrees Celsius in February.

Time: GMT/UTC + 13 hours
National Days: June 4 - Independence Day.

Visas: British passport holders visiting Tonga as tourists or on business are normally given permission to enter the country for a period not exceeding 30 days, provided that they are in possession of an onward air or sea ticket, adequate funds and relevant health certificates.

British Embassy Details

 

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