Tonga
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At a glance
- Region
- Polynesia
- Capital
- Nuku'alofa
- Population
- 104,000 (2024)
- Area
- 747 km²
- Languages
- English, Tongan
- Currency
- Tongan paʻanga (TOP)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +676
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Before you go
Overview
Tonga, Tongan Fakatuʿi ʿo Tonga, also called Friendly Islands, country in the south western Pacific Ocean.
It consists of some 170 islands divided into three main island groups: Tongatapu in the south, Haʿapai in the centre, and Vavaʿu in the north. Isolated islands include Niuafoʿou, Niuatoputapu, and Tafahi (together known as the Niuatoputapu, or Niuas, island group) in the far north and ʿAta in the far south.
Tonga’s total land area is dispersed between latitudes 15° and 23° S and longitudes 173° and 177° W. The capital, Nukuʿalofa, is on the island of Tongatapu. Tonga is a member of the Commonwealth and of the United Nations.
History
Tonga has been a kingdom for more than 1,000 years and was a British protected state rather than a colony. It became fully independent in 1970.
Food & culture
Lu pulu (corned beef with taro leaves and coconut cream) and roast suckling pig are feast favourites.
Wildlife
Humpback whales breed in Tongan waters between July and October, and visitors can swim with them.
Festivals & events
The Heilala Festival in July celebrates Tongan culture.
Things to see
Swimming with whales in Vava'u, the Mapu'a 'a Vaea blowholes and the Ha'amonga 'a Maui trilithon.
Interesting facts
Tonga is the only Pacific island nation that was never formally colonised.
Neighbours
Tonga has no land borders with other countries.
