Country Guide • Tonga
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 | 747km² (288mile²) |
Population | 108,141 |
Continent | Australia/Oceania |
Population per mile² | 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 and fertile soil |
Land Use | Arable Land 23.61% |
Agriculture | Coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee, ginger, black pepper, squash and fish |
Industry | Tourism and 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°C in July to 23 to 29°C 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 | Embassy Details |
Information Only
The content above is for information purposes only and we have tried to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury as a result of the information above. You should always check and verify any critical information like visas, health and safety and customs with the relevant authorities before you travel since information can change at any time.