# Tonga

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Country in Oceania

This article is about the country. For other uses, see [Tonga (disambiguation)](/source/Tonga_(disambiguation)). "Kingdom of Tonga" redirects here. For the protected state, see [Kingdom of Tonga (1900–1970)](/source/Kingdom_of_Tonga_(1900%E2%80%931970)). Not to be confused with [Tongoa](/source/Tongoa) in Vanuatu. Not to be confused with [Rarotonga](/source/Rarotonga), in the Cook Islands.

Kingdom of Tonga Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻo Tonga (Tongan) Flag Coat of arms Motto: "Ko e ʻOtua mo Tonga ko hoku tofiʻa" "God and Tonga are my inheritance" Anthem: "Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga" "Song of the King of the Tonga Islands" Capital and largest city Nukuʻalofa 21°8′S 175°12′W / 21.133°S 175.200°W / -21.133; -175.200 Official languages Tongan English Ethnic groups (2021[1]) 96.5% Tongan 3.5% others Demonym Tongan Government Semi-constitutional monarchy • Monarch Tupou VI • Prime Minister Fatafehi Fakafānua • Assembly Speaker ʻAlipate Tuʻivanuavou Vaea Legislature Legislative Assembly Formation • Unification c. 1845 • Treaty of Friendship 18 May 1900 • Independence from the United Kingdom 4 June 1970 Area • Total 748 km2 (289 sq mi) (175th) • Water (%) 4.0 Population • 2021 census 100,179[2] (183rd) • Density 139/km2 (360.0/sq mi) (92nd) GDP (PPP) 2019 estimate • Total $655 million • Per capita $6,496[3] GDP (nominal) 2019 estimate • Total $493 million • Per capita $4,888[3] Gini (2021) 27.1[4] low inequality HDI (2022) 0.739[5] high (98th) Currency Paʻanga (TOP) Time zone UTC+13 Calling code +676 ISO 3166 code TO Internet TLD .to Based on 2005 figures.

**Tonga**,[b] officially the **Kingdom of Tonga**,[c] is an [island country](/source/Island_country) in [Polynesia](/source/Polynesia), part of [Oceania](/source/Oceania). The country has [171 islands](/source/List_of_islands_and_towns_in_Tonga), of which 45 are inhabited.[1] Its total surface area is about 750 km2 (290 sq mi), scattered over 700,000 km2 (270,000 sq mi) in the southern [Pacific Ocean](/source/Pacific_Ocean). As of 2021,[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tonga&action=edit) according to Johnson's Tribune, Tonga has a population of 104,494,[7][8][9] 70% of whom reside on the main island, [Tongatapu](/source/Tongatapu). The country stretches approximately 800 km (500 mi; 430 nmi) north-south. It is surrounded by [Fiji](/source/Fiji) and [Wallis and Futuna](/source/Wallis_and_Futuna) (France) to the northwest, [Samoa](/source/Samoa) to the northeast, [New Caledonia](/source/New_Caledonia) (France) and [Vanuatu](/source/Vanuatu) to the west, [Niue](/source/Niue) (the nearest foreign territory) to the east and [Kermadec](/source/Kermadec_Islands) (New Zealand) to the southwest. Tonga is about 1,800 km (1,100 mi; 970 nmi) from New Zealand's [North Island](/source/North_Island).

Tonga was first inhabited roughly 2,500 years ago by people who were a part of the [Lapita](/source/Lapita_culture) culture, Polynesian settlers who gradually evolved a distinct and strong ethnic identity, [language](/source/Tongan_language), and [culture](/source/Culture) as the [Tongan people](/source/Tongans). They quickly established a powerful footing across the South Pacific, and this period of Tongan expansionism and colonization is known as the [Tuʻi Tonga Empire](/source/Tu%CA%BBi_Tonga_Empire). From the rule of the first [Tongan king](/source/List_of_monarchs_of_Tonga), [ʻAhoʻeitu](/source/%CA%BBAho%CA%BBeitu), Tonga grew into a regional power. It was a [thalassocracy](/source/Thalassocracy) that conquered and controlled unprecedented swathes of the Pacific, from parts of the [Solomon Islands](/source/Solomon_Islands) and the whole of [New Caledonia](/source/New_Caledonia) and [Fiji](/source/Fiji) in the west to Samoa and Niue and even as far as parts of modern-day [French Polynesia](/source/French_Polynesia) in the east. Tuʻi Tonga became renowned for its economic, ethnic, and cultural influence over the Pacific, which remained strong even after the Samoan revolution of the 13th century and Europeans' discovery of the islands in 1616.[10]

From 1900 to 1970, Tonga had [British protected-state status](/source/Kingdom_of_Tonga_(1900%E2%80%931970)). The United Kingdom looked after Tonga's foreign affairs under a Treaty of Friendship, but Tonga never relinquished its [sovereignty](/source/Sovereignty) to any foreign power. In 2010, Tonga took a decisive step away from its traditional [absolute monarchy](/source/Absolute_monarchy) and became a [semi-constitutional monarchy](/source/Semi-constitutional_monarchy), after legislative reforms paved the way for its [first](/source/2010_Tongan_general_election) partial [representative elections](/source/Representative_election).

Tonga is a member of the [Commonwealth of Nations](/source/Commonwealth_of_Nations), the [United Nations](/source/United_Nations), the [Pacific Islands Forum](/source/Pacific_Islands_Forum), and the [Alliance of Small Island States](/source/Alliance_of_Small_Island_States).

## Etymology

In many [Polynesian languages](/source/Polynesian_languages), including Tongan, the word *tonga* (Tongan: [\[ˈtoŋa\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA)),[11][12][13] comes from *fakatonga*, which means 'southwards', and the archipelago is so named because it is the southernmost group among the island groups of western Polynesia.[14] The word *tonga* is cognate to the [Hawaiian](/source/Hawaiian_language) word *kona* meaning 'leeward', which is the origin of the name for the [Kona District in Hawaiʻi](/source/Kona_District%2C_Hawaii).[15]

Tonga became known in the West as the "Friendly Islands" because of the congenial reception accorded to Captain [James Cook](/source/James_Cook) on his first visit in 1773. He arrived at the time of the annual *ʻinasi* festival, which centres on the donation of the [First Fruits](/source/First_Fruits) to the [Tuʻi Tonga](/source/Tu%CA%BBi_Tonga) (the islands' monarch), so he received an invitation to the festivities. Ironically, according to the writer [William Mariner](/source/William_Mariner_(writer)), the political leaders actually wanted to kill Cook during the gathering, but did not go through with it because they could not agree on a plan of action for accomplishing it.[16]

## History

Main article: [History of Tonga](/source/History_of_Tonga)

According to [Tongan mythology](/source/Tongan_mythology), the demigod [Maui](/source/Maui_(mythology)) drew up a group of islands from the ocean, first appearing [Tongatapu](/source/Tongatapu), the [Ha'apai Islands](/source/Ha'apai_Islands) and [Vava'u](/source/Vava'u), integrating into what became modern-day Tonga.[17]

The arrival of [Abel Tasman](/source/Abel_Tasman) in Tongatapu, 1643; drawing by [Isaack Gilsemans](/source/Isaack_Gilsemans)

Reception for Captain Cook, Ha'apai, Tonga, 1773-1784

An [Austronesian](/source/Austronesian_languages)-speaking group linked to what archaeologists call the [Lapita culture](/source/Lapita_culture) covered from [Island Melanesia](/source/Island_Melanesia) to [Samoa](/source/Samoa), and then on to inhabit Tonga sometime between 1500 and 1000 BC.[18] Scholars still debate exactly when Tonga was first settled, but [thorium](/source/Thorium) dating confirms that settlers had arrived in the earliest known inhabited town, Nukuleka, by 888 BC, ± 8 years.[19] Tonga's precontact history was shared via [oral history](/source/Oral_tradition), which was passed down from generation to generation.

By the 12th century, Tongans and the Tongan monarch, the [Tuʻi Tonga](/source/Tu%CA%BBi_Tonga), had acquired a reputation across the central Pacific – from [Niue](/source/Niue), [Samoa](/source/Samoa), [Rotuma](/source/Rotuma), [Wallis and Futuna](/source/Wallis_and_Futuna), [New Caledonia](/source/New_Caledonia) to [Tikopia](/source/Tikopia), leading some historians to speak of a Tuʻi Tonga Empire having existed during that period. Civil wars are known to have occurred in Tonga in the 15th and 17th centuries.

[William Mariner](/source/William_Mariner_(writer)) was a teenaged English sailor adopted into a royal Tongan family.

The Tongan people first encountered Europeans in 1616, when the Dutch vessel [*Eendracht*](/source/Eendracht_(1615_ship)), captained by [Willem Schouten](/source/Willem_Schouten), made a short visit to the islands for the purpose of engaging in trade. Later, other Dutch explorers arrived, including [Jacob Le Maire](/source/Jacob_Le_Maire) (who visited the northern island of [Niuatoputapu](/source/Niuatoputapu)); and [Abel Tasman](/source/Abel_Tasman) (who visited Tongatapu and [Haʻapai](/source/Ha%CA%BBapai)) in 1643. Later noteworthy European visitors included James Cook, of the British Royal Navy, in 1773, 1774, and 1777; Spanish Navy explorers [Francisco Mourelle de la Rúa](/source/Francisco_Mourelle) in 1781; [Alessandro Malaspina](/source/Alessandro_Malaspina) in 1793; the first [Protestant missionaries](/source/First_missionaries_in_Polynesia) in 1797; and a [Wesleyan Methodist](/source/Methodism) minister, Reverend Walter Lawry, in 1822.

[Whaling](/source/Whaling) vessels were among the earliest regular Western visitors. The first of these on record is the *Ann and Hope*, which was reported to have been seen among the islands of Tonga in June 1799.[20] The last known whaling visitor was the *Albatross* in 1899. That ship arrived in Tonga seeking a resupply of water, food, and wood. The islands most regularly visited by Westerners were Ata, 'Eua, Ha'apai, Tongatapu, and Vava'u. Sometimes, Tongan men were recruited to serve as crewmen on these vessels. The [United States Exploring Expedition](/source/United_States_Exploring_Expedition) visited Tonga in 1840.[21]

In 1845, an ambitious young Tongan warrior, strategist, and orator named [Tāufaʻāhau](/source/T%C4%81ufa%CA%BB%C4%81hau) united Tonga into a kingdom. He held the chiefly title of [Tuʻi Kanokupolu](/source/Tu%CA%BBi_Kanokupolu), but had been baptised by [Methodist](/source/Methodist) missionaries with the name *Siaosi* ("George") in 1831. In 1875, with the help of missionary [Shirley Waldemar Baker](/source/Shirley_Waldemar_Baker), he declared Tonga a constitutional monarchy, formally adopted the Western royal style, emancipated the "serfs", enshrined a code of law, land tenure, and freedom of the press, and limited the power of the chiefs.[22]

Tonga became a [protected state](/source/British_Protectorate) under a Treaty of Friendship with Britain on 18 May 1900, when European settlers and rival Tongan chiefs unsuccessfully tried to oust the man who had succeeded Tāufaʻāhau as king. The treaty posted no higher permanent representative on Tonga than a British [consul](/source/Consul_(representative)) (1901–1970). Under British protection, Tonga maintained its sovereignty and remained the only Pacific nation to retain its monarchical government. The Tongan monarchy has an uninterrupted succession of hereditary rulers from a single family.[23]

The [1918 flu pandemic](/source/1918_flu_pandemic), brought to Tonga by a ship from New Zealand, killed 1,800 Tongans, a mortality rate of about 8%.[24]

The Treaty of Friendship and Tonga's protection status ended in 1970 under arrangements that had been established by Tonga's Queen [Salote Tupou III](/source/Salote_Tupou_III) before her death in 1965. Owing to its British ties, Tonga joined the [Commonwealth](/source/Commonwealth_of_Nations) in 1970 (atypically as a country that had its own monarch, rather than having the [United Kingdom's monarch](/source/Monarchy_of_the_United_Kingdom), along with [Malaysia](/source/Malaysia), [Brunei](/source/Brunei), [Lesotho](/source/Lesotho), and [Eswatini](/source/Eswatini)). Tonga became a member of the United Nations in September 1999.[25] While exposed to colonial pressures, Tonga has always governed itself, which makes it unique in the Pacific.[26]

In January 2022, the [Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai](/source/Hunga_Tonga%E2%80%93Hunga_Ha%CA%BBapai) volcano, 65 km (40 mi; 35 nmi) north of the main island of Tongatapu, [erupted](/source/2022_Hunga_Tonga%E2%80%93Hunga_Ha'apai_eruption_and_tsunami), causing a [tsunami](/source/Tsunami) which inundated parts of the archipelago, including the capital Nukuʻalofa. Comparable to the size of the [1883 eruption of Krakatoa](/source/1883_eruption_of_Krakatoa), the Hunga volcano produced an atmospheric explosion never before documented in the modern geophysical record (not including [man-made explosions](/source/List_of_explosions)).[27] The eruption affected the kingdom heavily, cutting off most communications[28] and killing four people in Tonga.[29] In [Peru](/source/Peru), two women drowned due to abnormal tsunami waves.[30] It took around five weeks to repair a [submarine fiber optic cable](/source/Submarine_communications_cable) used in the [Tonga Cable System](/source/Tonga_Cable_System) for internet and telephone connectivity.[31]

## Geography

Main article: [Geography of Tonga](/source/Geography_of_Tonga)

A map of Tonga

Located in [Oceania](/source/Oceania), Tonga is an [archipelago](/source/Archipelago) in the [South Pacific Ocean](/source/South_Pacific_Ocean), directly south of Samoa and about two-thirds of the way from Hawaiʻi to New Zealand. Its 171 islands, 45 of them inhabited,[1] are divided into three main groups – Vava'u, Ha'apai, and Tongatapu – and cover an 800-kilometre (500-mile; 430-nautical-mile)-long north–south line.

The largest island, [Tongatapu](/source/Tongatapu), on which the capital city of [Nukuʻalofa](/source/Nuku%CA%BBalofa) is located, covers 257 square kilometres (99 sq mi). Geologically, the Tongan islands are of two types: most have a limestone base formed from uplifted coral formations; others consist of limestone overlaying a [volcanic](/source/Volcanic) base.

### Climate

Tonga has a [tropical rainforest climate](/source/Tropical_rainforest_climate) ([*Af*](/source/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classification)) with a distinct warm period (December–April), during which the temperatures rise above 32 °C (89.6 °F), and a cooler period (May–November), with temperatures rarely rising above 27 °C (80.6 °F). The temperature and rainfall range from 23 °C (73.4 °F) and 1,700 mm (66.9 in) on Tongatapu in the south to 27 °C (80.6 °F) and 2,970 mm (116.9 in) on the more northerly islands closer to the Equator.

The average wettest period is around March, with on average 263 mm (10.4 in).[32] The average daily humidity is 80%. The highest temperature recorded in Tonga was 35 °C (95 °F) on 11 February 1979 in Vava'u. The coldest temperature recorded in Tonga was 8.7 °C (47.7 °F) on 8 September 1994 in Fua'amotu. Temperatures of 15 °C (59 °F) or lower are usually measured in the dry season and are more frequent in southern Tonga than in the northern islands.[33] The tropical cyclone season currently runs from 1 November to 30 April, though tropical cyclones can form and affect Tonga outside of the season. According to the [WorldRiskReport](/source/WorldRiskReport) 2021, Tonga ranks third among the countries with the highest disaster risk worldwide – mainly due to the country's exposure to multiple natural hazards.[34]

Climate data for Nukuʻalofa (Köppen Af) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 32 (90) 32 (90) 31 (88) 30 (86) 30 (86) 28 (82) 28 (82) 28 (82) 28 (82) 29 (84) 30 (86) 31 (88) 32 (90) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 29.4 (84.9) 29.9 (85.8) 29.6 (85.3) 28.5 (83.3) 26.8 (80.2) 25.8 (78.4) 24.9 (76.8) 24.8 (76.6) 25.3 (77.5) 26.4 (79.5) 27.6 (81.7) 28.7 (83.7) 27.3 (81.1) Daily mean °C (°F) 26.4 (79.5) 26.8 (80.2) 26.6 (79.9) 25.3 (77.5) 23.6 (74.5) 22.7 (72.9) 21.5 (70.7) 21.5 (70.7) 22.0 (71.6) 23.1 (73.6) 24.4 (75.9) 25.6 (78.1) 24.1 (75.4) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 23.4 (74.1) 23.7 (74.7) 23.6 (74.5) 22.1 (71.8) 20.3 (68.5) 19.5 (67.1) 18.1 (64.6) 18.2 (64.8) 18.6 (65.5) 19.7 (67.5) 21.1 (70.0) 22.5 (72.5) 20.9 (69.6) Record low °C (°F) 16 (61) 17 (63) 15 (59) 15 (59) 13 (55) 11 (52) 10 (50) 11 (52) 11 (52) 12 (54) 13 (55) 16 (61) 10 (50) Average rainfall mm (inches) 174 (6.9) 210 (8.3) 206 (8.1) 165 (6.5) 111 (4.4) 95 (3.7) 95 (3.7) 117 (4.6) 122 (4.8) 128 (5.0) 123 (4.8) 175 (6.9) 1,721 (67.8) Average rainy days 17 19 19 17 15 14 15 13 13 11 12 15 180 Average relative humidity (%) 77 78 79 76 78 77 75 75 74 74 73 75 76 Source: Weatherbase[35]

### Ecology

Tonga contains the [Tongan tropical moist forests](/source/Tongan_tropical_moist_forests) terrestrial ecoregion.[36]

In Tonga, dating back to Tongan legend, flying bats are considered sacred and are the property of the monarchy. Thus, they are protected and cannot be harmed or hunted. As a result, [flying fox bats](/source/Pteropus) have thrived in many of the islands of Tonga.[37][38]

Wattled honeyeater in Tonga

The [bird life of Tonga](/source/List_of_birds_of_Tonga) includes a total of 73 species, of which two are endemic, the [Tongan whistler](/source/Tongan_whistler) and the [Tongan megapode](/source/Tongan_megapode). Five species have been introduced by humans, and eight are rare or accidental. Seven species are globally threatened.

## Politics

Main article: [Politics of Tonga](/source/Politics_of_Tonga)

King George, of the Friendly Islands (1852)[39]

Tonga is a [constitutional monarchy](/source/Constitutional_monarchy). It is the only extant indigenous monarchy in the Pacific islands (see also [Hawaiʻi](/source/Hawaiian_Kingdom)). Reverence for the monarch replaces that held in earlier centuries for the sacred paramount chief, the Tuʻi Tonga. Criticism of the monarch is held to be contrary to Tongan culture and etiquette. Tonga provides for its citizens a free and mandatory education for all, secondary education with only nominal fees, and foreign-funded scholarships for postsecondary education.

[Tāufaʻāhau](/source/T%C4%81ufa%CA%BB%C4%81hau), King of Tonga (1845–1893)

The pro-democracy movement in Tonga promotes reforms, including better representation in the Parliament for the majority of commoners, and better accountability in matters of state. An overthrow of the monarchy is not part of the movement, and the institution of monarchy continues to hold popular support, even while reforms are advocated. Until recently, the governance issue was generally ignored by the leaders of other countries, but major aid donors and neighbours New Zealand and Australia are now expressing concerns about some Tongan government actions.

Following the precedents of Queen Sālote and the counsel of numerous international advisors, the government of Tonga under King [Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV](/source/T%C4%81ufa%CA%BB%C4%81hau_Tupou_IV) (reigned 1965–2006) monetised the economy, internationalised the medical and education systems, and enabled access by commoners to increasing forms of material wealth (houses, cars, and other commodities), education, and overseas travel.

Male [homosexuality](/source/LGBT_rights_in_Tonga) is illegal in Tonga,[40] with a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment,[41] but the law is [not enforced](/source/Unenforced_law).[42] Tongans have universal access to a national health care system. The [Constitution of Tonga](/source/Constitution_of_Tonga) protects land ownership; land cannot be sold to foreigners (although it may be leased).[43]

### Political culture

[King Tupou VI](/source/Tupou_VI) during his coronation on 4 July 2015

King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV and his government made some problematic economic decisions and were accused by democracy activists, including former prime minister [ʻAkilisi Pōhiva](/source/%CA%BBAkilisi_P%C5%8Dhiva), of wasting millions of dollars on unwise investments. The problems have mostly been driven by attempts to increase national revenue through a variety of schemes – considering making Tonga a nuclear waste disposal site (an idea floated in the mid 1990s by the current crown prince),[44] and selling Tongan Protected Persons Passports (which eventually forced Tonga to naturalise the purchasers, sparking ethnicity-based concerns within Tonga).[45]

Schemes also included the [registering of foreign ships](/source/Flag_state) (which proved to be engaged in illegal activities, including shipments for [al-Qaeda](/source/Al-Qaeda)),[46] [claiming geo-orbital satellite slots](/source/TONGASAT) (the revenue from which seems to belong to the Princess Royal, not the state),[47] holding a long-term charter on an unusable [Boeing 757](/source/Boeing_757) that was sidelined in [Auckland](/source/Auckland) Airport, leading to the collapse of [Royal Tongan Airlines](/source/Royal_Tongan_Airlines),[48] and approving a factory for exporting cigarettes to China (against the advice of Tongan medical officials and decades of health-promotion messaging).[49]

The king proved vulnerable to speculators with big promises and lost reportedly US$26 million to [Jesse Bogdonoff](/source/Jesse_Bogdonoff), a financial adviser who called himself the king's [court jester](/source/Jester). The police imprisoned pro-democracy leaders, and the government repeatedly confiscated the newspaper *The Tongan Times* (printed in New Zealand and sold in Tonga) because the editor had been vocally critical of the king's mistakes.[50] Notably, the *Keleʻa*, produced specifically to critique the government and printed in Tonga by pro-democracy leader ʻAkilisi Pōhiva, was not banned during that time. Pōhiva, however, had been subjected to harassment in the form of [barratry](/source/Barratry_(common_law)) (frequent lawsuits).[51]

In mid-2003, the government passed a radical constitutional amendment to "Tonganize" the press, by licensing and limiting freedom of the press, so as to protect the image of the monarchy. The amendment was defended by the government and by royalists on the basis of traditional cultural values. Licensure criteria include 80% ownership by Tongans living in the country. As of February 2004[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tonga&action=edit), those papers denied licenses under the new act included the *Taimi ʻo Tonga* (*Tongan Times*), the *Keleʻa*, and the *Matangi Tonga* – while those permitted licenses were uniformly church-based or pro-government.

The [Royal Palace of Tonga](/source/Royal_Palace%2C_Tonga)

The bill was opposed in a several-thousand-strong protest march in the capital, a call by the Tuʻi Pelehake (a prince, nephew of the king and elected member of parliament) for Australia and other nations to pressure the Tongan government to democratise the electoral system, and a legal writ calling for a judicial investigation of the bill. The latter was supported by some 160 signatures, including seven of the nine elected "People's Representatives".

The then–Crown Prince [Tupoutoʻa](/source/George_Tupou_V) and Pilolevu, the Princess Royal, remained generally silent on the issue. In total, the changes threatened to destabilise the polity, fragment support for the status quo, and place further pressure on the monarchy.

In 2005, the government spent several weeks negotiating with striking civil-service workers before reaching a settlement. The civil unrest that ensued was not limited to Tonga; protests outside the King's New Zealand residence made headlines.

Prime Minister Prince [ʻAhoʻeitu ʻUnuakiʻotonga Tukuʻaho (Lavaka Ata ʻUlukālala)](/source/Tupou_VI) (now King Tupou VI) resigned suddenly on 11 February 2006 and also gave up his other cabinet portfolios. The elected minister of labour, [Feleti Sevele](/source/Feleti_Sevele), replaced him in the interim.

On 5 July 2006, a driver in [Menlo Park, California](/source/Menlo_Park%2C_California), caused the deaths of Prince [Tuʻipelehake ʻUluvalu](/source/Tu%CA%BBipelehake_(%CA%BBUluvalu)), his wife, and their driver. Tuʻipelehake, 55, was the cochairman of the constitutional reform commission and a nephew of the king.

Riots in Nukuʻalofa, 2006

The public expected some changes when George Tupou V succeeded his father in September 2006. On [16 November 2006, rioting broke out](/source/2006_Tonga_riots) in the capital city of [Nukuʻalofa](/source/Nuku%CA%BBalofa) when it seemed that the parliament would adjourn for the year without having made any advances in increasing democracy in government. Pro-democracy activists burned and looted shops, offices, and government buildings. As a result, more than 60% of the downtown area was destroyed and as many as six people died.[52] The disturbances were ended by action from [Tongan Security Forces](/source/His_Majesty's_Armed_Forces_(Tonga)) and troops from New Zealand-led Joint Task Force.[53]

On 29 July 2008, the Palace announced that King George Tupou V would relinquish much of his power and would surrender his role in day-to-day governmental affairs to the Prime Minister. The royal chamberlain said that this was being done to prepare the monarchy for 2010, when most of the first parliament would be elected, and added: "The Sovereign of the only Polynesian kingdom ... is voluntarily surrendering his powers to meet the democratic aspirations of many of his people." The previous week, the government said the king had sold state assets that had contributed to much of the royal family's wealth.[54]

On 15 March 2012, King George Tupou V contracted pneumonia and was brought to [Queen Mary Hospital](/source/Queen_Mary_Hospital_(Hong_Kong)) in [Hong Kong](/source/Hong_Kong). He was later diagnosed with leukaemia. His health deteriorated significantly shortly thereafter, and he died at 3:15 pm on 18 March 2012.[55] He was succeeded by his brother [Tupou VI](/source/Tupou_VI), who was crowned on 4 July 2015.[56]

### Foreign relations

Further information: [Foreign relations of Tonga](/source/Foreign_relations_of_Tonga)

Tonga's foreign policy as of January 2009[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tonga&action=edit) was described by [Matangi Tonga](/source/Matangi_Tonga) as "Look East" – specifically, as establishing closer diplomatic and economic relations with Asia (which actually lies to the north-west of the Pacific kingdom). As of 2021, China has attained great influence in Tonga, financing infrastructure projects, including a new royal palace and holding two thirds of the country's foreign debt.[57]

Tonga retains cordial relations with the United States. Although it remains on good terms with the United Kingdom, the two countries do not maintain particularly close relations. The United Kingdom closed its High Commission in Tonga in 2006, although it was re-established in January 2020 after a 14-year absence. Tonga's relations with Oceania's regional powers, Australia and New Zealand, are good.[58]

Tonga maintains strong regional ties in the Pacific. It is a full member of the [Pacific Islands Forum](/source/Pacific_Islands_Forum), the [South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission](/source/South_Pacific_Applied_Geoscience_Commission), the [South Pacific Tourism Organisation](/source/South_Pacific_Tourism_Organisation), the [Pacific Regional Environment Programme](/source/Pacific_Regional_Environment_Programme), and the [Secretariat of the Pacific Community](/source/Secretariat_of_the_Pacific_Community).

In 2023, the governments of Tonga and other islands vulnerable to climate change ([Fiji](/source/Fiji), [Niue](/source/Niue), the [Solomon Islands](/source/Solomon_Islands), [Tuvalu](/source/Tuvalu) and [Vanuatu](/source/Vanuatu)) launched the "Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific", calling for the phase out [fossil fuels](/source/Fossil_fuel) and the "rapid and [just transition](/source/Just_transition)" to [renewable energy](/source/Renewable_energy) and strengthening [environmental law](/source/Environmental_law), including introducing the crime of [ecocide](/source/Ecocide).[59][60][61]

### Military

Main article: [His Majesty's Armed Forces](/source/His_Majesty's_Armed_Forces_(Tonga))

The Tongan government supported the American "[coalition of the willing](/source/Coalition_of_the_willing_(Iraq_War))" action in [Iraq](/source/Iraq) and deployed more than 40 soldiers (as part of an American force) in late 2004. The contingent returned home on 17 December 2004.[62] In 2007, a second contingent went to Iraq, and two more were sent during 2008 as part of continued support for the coalition. Tongan involvement concluded at the end of 2008 with no reported loss of life.

In 2010, Brigadier General Tauʻaika ʻUtaʻatu, commander of the [His Majesty's Armed Forces](/source/His_Majesty's_Armed_Forces_(Tonga)), signed an agreement in London committing a minimum of 200 troops to co-operate with Britain's International Security Assistance Force in [Afghanistan](/source/Afghanistan). The task was completed in April 2014, and the UK presented Operational Service Medals to each of the soldiers involved during a parade held in Tonga.[63]

Tonga has contributed troops and police to the [Bougainville](/source/Bougainville_Province) conflict in Papua-New Guinea and to the Australian-led [RAMSI](/source/RAMSI) force in the [Solomon Islands](/source/Solomon_Islands).

### Administrative divisions

Further information: [Administrative divisions of Tonga](/source/Administrative_divisions_of_Tonga)

Tonga is subdivided into five administrative divisions: [ʻEua](/source/%CA%BBEua), [Haʻapai](/source/Ha%CA%BBapai), [Niuas](/source/Niuas), [Tongatapu](/source/Tongatapu), and [Vavaʻu](/source/Vava%CA%BBu).[64][65]

## Economy

Main article: [Economy of Tonga](/source/Economy_of_Tonga)

A Tongan one-cent (*seniti taha*) coin

Nuku Island, [Vavaʻu](/source/Vava%CA%BBu)

Tonga's economy is characterised by a large nonmonetary sector and a heavy dependence on [remittances](/source/Remittances) from the half of the country's population who live abroad (chiefly in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States). The royal family and the nobles dominate and largely own the monetary sector of the economy – particularly the telecommunications and satellite services. Tonga was named the sixth-most corrupt country in the world by *Forbes* magazine in 2008.[66]

Tonga was ranked the 165th-safest investment destination in the world in the March 2011 *[Euromoney](/source/Euromoney)* Country Risk rankings.[67]

The manufacturing sector consists of [handicrafts](/source/Cottage_industry) and a few other very small-scale industries, which contribute only about 5% of GDP.[68] Commercial business activities also are inconspicuous, and to a large extent, are dominated by the same large trading companies found throughout the South Pacific. In September 1974, the country's first commercial trading bank, the Bank of Tonga, opened.

Tonga's development plans emphasise a growing [private sector](/source/Private_sector), upgrading agricultural productivity, revitalising the squash and vanilla-bean industries, developing tourism, and improving communications and transport. Substantial progress has been made, but much work remains to be done. A small, growing construction sector is developing in response to the inflow of aid money and remittances from Tongans abroad. In recognition of such a crucial contribution, the government has created a new department in the Prime Minister's Office with the purpose of catering for the needs of Tongans living abroad. In 2007, the Tongan Parliament amended citizenship laws to allow Tongans to hold dual citizenship.[69]

[Tonga's postage stamps](/source/Postage_stamps_and_postal_history_of_Tonga), featuring colourful and often unusual designs (including heart-shaped and banana-shaped stamps), are popular with [philatelists](/source/Philately).[70]

In 2005, the country became eligible to become a member of the [World Trade Organization](/source/World_Trade_Organization). After an initial voluntary delay, Tonga became a full member of the WTO on 27 July 2007.

The Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, incorporated in 1996, endeavours to represent the interests of its members, private sector businesses, and to promote economic growth in the Kingdom.

Tonga is home to some 106,000 people. More than double that number live overseas, mainly in the US, New Zealand, and Australia. Remittances from the overseas population have been declining since the onset of the 2008 global economic crisis. The tourism industry is improving, but remains modest at under 90,000 tourists per year.[71][*[new archival link needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Archiving_a_source)*]

### Tourism

Tourist arrivals of 2023 in %[72]

The tourist industry is relatively undeveloped. The government recognises that tourism can play a major role in economic development, and efforts are being made to increase this source of revenue. Cruise ships often stop in Vavaʻu, with a reputation for its [whale watching](/source/Whale_watching), game fishing, surfing, beaches, and is increasingly becoming a major player in the South Pacific tourism market.[73]

### Agriculture

In Tonga, agriculture and forestry (together with fisheries) provide the majority of employment, foreign exchange earnings, and food.[74][75] Rural Tongans rely on both [plantation](/source/Plantation) and [subsistence agriculture](/source/Subsistence_agriculture). Plants grown for both market [cash crops](/source/Cash_crop) and home use include bananas, [coconuts](/source/Coconut), [coffee beans](/source/Coffee_bean), [vanilla beans](/source/Vanilla_bean), and [root crops](/source/Root_crops) such as [cassava](/source/Cassava), [sweet potato](/source/Sweet_potato), and [taro](/source/Taro). As of 2001[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tonga&action=edit), two-thirds of agricultural land was in root crops.[74]

The processing of coconuts into [copra](/source/Copra) and [desiccated](/source/Desiccation) (dried) coconut was once the only significant industry, and only commercial export. Deteriorating prices on the world market and lack of replanting brought this once vibrant industry, as in most island nations of the South Pacific, to a complete standstill.

Swine and poultry are the major types of livestock. Horses are kept for draft purposes, primarily by farmers working their*ʻapi ʻuta* (a plot of bushland); though the [meat](/source/Horse_meat#Tonga) is also coveted.[76] More cattle are being raised, and beef imports are declining.[69]

The traditional feudal land ownership system meant that farmers had no incentive to invest in planting long-term tree crops on land they did not own. In the late 20th century, kava and vanilla from larger plantations became the main agricultural exports, together with squash.[74] The export of squash to Japan, beginning in 1987, once brought relief to Tonga's struggling economy, but local farmers became increasingly wary of the Japanese market due to price fluctuations, and the huge financial risks involved.[69][77]

### Energy

Energy in Tonga mostly comes from imported diesel.[78] Energy consumption in Tonga was projected to reach around 66 gigawatt hours by 2020.[79][*[needs update](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items)*] The country aimed to reach 50% of renewable energy by 2020.[79] In 2019, Tonga announced the construction of a 6-megawatt solar farm on Tongatapu.[80] The plant will be the second-largest solar plant in the Pacific upon completion.[80]

In view of the decreasing reliability of [fossil-fuel electricity](/source/Fossil-fuel_electricity) generation, its increasing costs, and negative environmental side effects, [renewable energy](/source/Renewable_energy) solutions have attracted the government's attention. Together with [IRENA](/source/IRENA), Tonga has planned a renewable energy based strategy to power the main and outer islands. The strategy focuses on solar home systems that turn individual households into small power plants. It calls for the involvement of local operators, finance institutions, and technicians to provide sustainable business models and strategies to ensure the effective operation, management, and maintenance once the systems are installed.[81]

The Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency was established in Tonga in 2016 to advise the private sector on related policy matters, provide capacity development and promote business investment.[82] The centre facilitates a financial mechanism offering competitive grants for start-ups to spur the adoption of renewable energy by the business sector. The centre is part of the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres and SIDS DOCK framework designed to attract international investment in the renewable energy sector.

With the assistance of IRENA, Tonga has developed the 2010–2020 Tonga Energy Road Map, which aims for a 50% reduction of diesel importation. This was to be accomplished through a range of appropriate renewable technologies, including wind and solar, as well as innovative efficiencies.[83] As of 2018, Tonga was generating 10% of its electricity from renewable sources.[84]

## Demographics

Main article: [Demographics of Tonga](/source/Demographics_of_Tonga)

Tonga's population (1961–2003) in thousands

Over 70% of the 106,017[8][9] inhabitants live on its main island, Tongatapu. Although an increasing number of [Tongans](/source/Tongans) have moved into the only urban and commercial centre, Nukuʻalofa, where European and indigenous cultural and living patterns have blended, village life and kinship ties remain influential throughout the country. Despite emigration, Tonga grew in population from about 32,000 in the 1930s to more than 90,000 by 1976.[85]

### Ethnic groups

Ethnic groups in Tonga Ethnic groups percent Tongan 97.03% Part Tongan 0.79% Chinese 0.73% Fijian 0.3% European 0.25% Indo-Fijian 0.12% Other Pacific Islander 0.2% Other Asian 0.19% Other 0.37% Not stated 0.03%

According to the government portal, Tongans, [Polynesian](/source/Polynesians) by ethnicity with a mixture of [Melanesian](/source/Melanesia), represent more than 98% of the inhabitants. About 1.5% are mixed Tongans and the rest are [European](/source/European_ethnic_groups) (the majority are British), mixed European, and other [Pacific Islanders](/source/Pacific_Islanders). In 2001, about 3,000 to 4,000 [Chinese lived there](/source/Chinese_in_Tonga), comprising 3 to 4% of the total Tongan population.[86] The [2006 Nukuʻalofa riots](/source/2006_Nuku%CA%BBalofa_riots) mainly targeted Chinese-owned businesses, leading to the emigration of several hundred Chinese[87] so that only about 300 remain.[88]

### Languages

[Tongan](/source/Tongan_language) is the official language,[7] along with English. Tongan is a [Polynesian language](/source/Polynesian_language) of the Tongic branch, so it is closely related to other languages of the Tongic branch, those being: [Niuean](/source/Niuean_language) and [Niuafoʻouan](/source/Niuafo'ou_language). Tongan is more distantly related to other Polynesian languages such as [Hawaiian](/source/Hawaiian_language), [Samoan](/source/Samoan_language), [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_language), and [Tahitian](/source/Tahitian_language), among others.

### Religion

Main article: [Religion in Tonga](/source/Religion_in_Tonga)

The [Free Wesleyan Church](/source/Free_Wesleyan_Church)

Tonga does not have an official state religion.[89] The Constitution of Tonga (Revised 1998) provides for freedom of religion.[90]

In 1928, Queen [Salote Tupou III](/source/Salote_Tupou_III), who was a member of the [Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga](/source/Free_Wesleyan_Church_of_Tonga), established the Free Wesleyan Church as the state religion of Tonga. The chief pastor of the Free Wesleyan Church serves as the representative of the people of Tonga and of the church at the coronation of a king or queen of Tonga, where he anoints and crowns the monarch. In opposition to the establishment of the Free Wesleyan Church as a state religion, the [Church of Tonga](/source/Church_of_Tonga) separated from the Free Wesleyan Church in 1928.

[Islam in Tonga](/source/Islam_in_Tonga) is a small minority religion in the country. Muslims in Tonga belong to [Sunni](/source/Sunni_Islam) denomination. [Al-Khadeejah Mosque](/source/Al-Khadeejah_Mosque) is a prominent mosque in Tonga.

Everyday life is heavily influenced by Polynesian traditions and by the Christian faith. The Sabbath is included in the constitution, with all commerce and entertainment activities stopped on Sundays. According to the [World Factbook](/source/World_Factbook), as of 2016[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tonga&action=edit) an estimated 64.1% of the population were [Protestant](/source/Protestant) (including 35% who were followers of the [Free Wesleyan Church](/source/Free_Wesleyan_Church), [Free Church of Tonga](/source/Free_Church_of_Tonga) 11.9%, [Church of Tonga](/source/Church_of_Tonga) 6.8%, [Assembly of God](/source/Assembly_of_God) 2.3%, [Seventh-day Adventist](/source/Seventh-day_Adventist) 2.2%, [Tokaikolo Christian Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tokaikolo_Christian_Church&action=edit&redlink=1) 1.6%, and 4.3% others). An estimated 18.6% were [Mormons](/source/Mormons), 14.2% were [Roman Catholic](/source/Roman_Catholic), and 2.4% followed other religions, while 0.5% followed no religion and 0.1% were of unspecified religious background.[1]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent missionaries in 1891 to visit King Siaosi (George) Tupo, where they obtained permission to preach.

### Health

Main article: [Health in Tonga](/source/Health_in_Tonga)

By some published surveys, Tonga has one of the highest obesity rates in the world.[91] [World Health Organization](/source/World_Health_Organization) data published in 2014 indicate that Tonga stands fourth overall in terms of [countries listed by mean body mass index data](/source/List_of_countries_by_Body_Mass_Index_(BMI)). In 2011, 90% of the adult population were considered overweight using NIH interpretation of body mass index (BMI) data, with more than 60% of those [obese](/source/Obesity).[92] 70% of Tongan females aged 15–85 are obese. Tonga and [Nauru](/source/Nauru) have the world's highest overweight and obese populations.[93]

In late October 2021, Tonga reported its first case of [COVID-19](/source/COVID-19) based on a New Zealand air passenger's positive test.[94]

### Education

Main article: [Education in Tonga](/source/Education_in_Tonga)

Primary education between ages 6 and 14 is compulsory and free in state schools. Mission schools provide about 8% of the primary and 90% of the secondary level of education. State schools make up for the rest. Higher education includes teacher training, nursing, and medical training, a small private university, a woman's business college, and a number of private agricultural schools. Most levels of higher education are pursued overseas.

Tongans enjoy a relatively high level of education, with a 98.9% literacy rate,[95] and higher education up to and including medical and graduate degrees (pursued mostly overseas). They hold the body of academic knowledge created by their scholars in high esteem and the Kukū Kaunaka Collection, which comprises every doctoral and master's dissertation written by any Tongan in any country, is archived by [Seu'ula Johansson-Fua](/source/Seu'ula_Johansson-Fua) at the Institute for Education in Tonga.[96]

### Emigration

Contemporary Tongans often have strong ties to overseas lands. Many Tongans have emigrated to [Australia](/source/Tongan_Australians), [New Zealand](/source/Tongan_New_Zealanders), or the [United States](/source/Tongan_Americans) to seek employment and a higher standard of living.

In 2018, 82,389 Tongans lived in New Zealand.[97][98] As of 2000, 36,840 Tongans were living in the US.[99] More than 8,000 Tongans live in Australia.[100] The Tongan [diaspora](/source/Diaspora) retains close ties to relatives at home,[101] and a significant portion of Tonga's income derives from remittances[102][103] to family members (often aged) who prefer to remain in Tonga.

## Culture

Main article: [Culture of Tonga](/source/Culture_of_Tonga)

[Kava culture](/source/Kava_culture)

Humans have lived in Tonga for nearly 3,000 years since settlement in late [Lapita](/source/Lapita) times. Before the arrival of European explorers in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Tongans had frequent contacts with their nearest Oceanic neighbours, Fiji and Niue. In the 19th century, with the arrival of Western traders and missionaries, Tongan culture changed, especially in religion. As of 2013[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tonga&action=edit), almost 98% of residents profess Christianity. The people discarded some old beliefs and habits and adopted others.

### Fahu

Fahu is a form of social organization practiced by the people of Tonga, built upon a relationship between a person and their father's sister and paternal cousins. There are a few key superiorities in the social structure of fahu:[104]

1. One's paternal side is superior to their maternal side of a family unit, and

1. Sisters are situated as superordinate and sacred counterparts to their brothers, thus

1. The sister of one's father is the highest ranking family member

Prior to Western contact, the inner dynamics between the chiefly kinship groups were governed by this social convention. Although fahu rights do not hold the same political strength and implications they historically did, they remain, to a notable degree, a part of the contemporary social practices in Tonga.[104]

#### Socio-environmental impact of fahu

Similar social structures to fahu have been cited as significantly beneficial for human adaptation to environmental threats, especially those situated in hurricane-prone regions such as Tonga.[105] The benefit stems from the fahu's ability to provide a network and capacity to allow for relocation of people and resources during environmental events, such as hurricanes or droughts.

However, there have been environmental consequences of note due to the fahu structure, or rather, a disturbance of the structure. In the 1980s, Tonga saw a severe depletion of its sandalwood tree due to a disruption of the fahu social hierarchy, which was incited by market demand for the resource.[104] This led to heightened local competition and eventually an overharvest of the tree. Nearly all of the sandalwood resources were depleted over the span of two years.[*[clarification needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify)*]

The start of a Tongan *[tauʻolunga](/source/Tau%CA%BBolunga)* dance

### Sport

Further information: [Sport in Tonga](/source/Sport_in_Tonga)

#### Rugby union

[Rugby union](/source/Rugby_union) is the national sport,[106] and the [national team](/source/Tonga_national_rugby_union_team) (ʻIkale Tahi, or Sea Eagles) has succeeded internationally. Tonga has competed in six [Rugby World Cups](/source/Rugby_World_Cup) since [1987](/source/1987_Rugby_World_Cup). The [2007](/source/2007_Rugby_World_Cup) and [2011 Rugby World Cups](/source/2011_Rugby_World_Cup) were Tonga's most successful to date, both winning two out of four matches and in a running chance for the quarterfinals. In the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Tonga won its first two matches, against the [USA](/source/United_States_national_rugby_union_team) 25–15, and [Samoa](/source/Samoa_national_rugby_union_team) 19–15. They came very close to upsetting the eventual winners of the 2007 tournament, the South African [Springboks](/source/Springboks), losing 30–25. A defeat by [England](/source/England_National_Rugby_Union_Team), 36–20 in their last pool game ended their hopes of making the knockout stages. Nevertheless, by picking up third place in their pool games behind South Africa and England, Tonga earned automatic qualification for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. In [Pool A](/source/2011_Rugby_World_Cup_Pool_A) of the [2011 Rugby World Cup](/source/2011_Rugby_World_Cup), Tonga beat both [Japan](/source/Japan_national_rugby_union_team) 31–18 and 5th ranked[107] eventual finalist [France](/source/France_national_rugby_union_team) 19–14 in the latter pool stages. However, a previous heavy defeat by the [All Blacks](/source/All_Blacks) at the tournament's opener (41–10) and a subsequent tight defeat by [Canada](/source/Canada_national_rugby_union_team) (25–20) meant that Tonga lost out to France (who also lost to [NZ](/source/All_Blacks)) for the quarter finals due to 2 bonus points and a points difference of 46.

Tonga's best result before 2007 came in [1995](/source/1995_Rugby_World_Cup), when they beat [Côte d'Ivoire](/source/Ivory_Coast_national_rugby_union_team) 29–11, and [1999](/source/1999_Rugby_World_Cup) when they beat [Italy](/source/Italy_national_rugby_union_team) 28–25 (although with only 14 men they lost heavily to England, 101–10). Tonga perform the [Ikale Tahi war dance](/source/Kailao) or Sipi Tau (a form of [Kailao](/source/Kailao)) before all their matches. Tonga used to compete in the [Pacific Tri-Nations](/source/Pacific_Tri-Nations) against Samoa and Fiji, which has now been replaced by the [World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup](/source/World_Rugby_Pacific_Nations_Cup), which now involves [Japan](/source/Japan_national_rugby_union_team), [Canada](/source/Canada_national_rugby_union_team), and the [United States](/source/United_States_national_rugby_union_team). At club level, there are the [Datec Cup Provincial Championship](/source/Datec_Cup_Provincial_Championship) and the [Pacific Rugby Cup](/source/Pacific_Rugby_Cup). Rugby union is governed by the [Tonga Rugby Football Union](/source/Tonga_Rugby_Football_Union), which was a member of the [Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance](/source/Pacific_Islands_Rugby_Alliance) and contributed to the [Pacific Islanders rugby union team](/source/Pacific_Islanders_rugby_union_team), before they were disbanded in 2009.

Many players of Tongan descent – e.g., [Jonah Lomu](/source/Jonah_Lomu), [Israel Folau](/source/Israel_Folau), [Viliami "William" ʻOfahengaue](/source/Viliami_Ofahengaue), [Malakai Fekitoa](/source/Malakai_Fekitoa), [Ben Afeaki](/source/Ben_Afeaki), [Charles Piutau](/source/Charles_Piutau), [Frank Halai](/source/Frank_Halai), [Sekope Kepu](/source/Sekope_Kepu), [George Smith](/source/George_Smith_(rugby_union)), [Wycliff Palu](/source/Cliff_Palu), [Sitaleki Timani](/source/Sitaleki_Timani), [Salesi Ma'afu](/source/Salesi_Ma'afu), [Anthony](/source/Anthony_Fainga'a) and [Saia Fainga'a](/source/Saia_Fainga'a), [Mark Gerrard](/source/Mark_Gerrard), [Cooper Vuna](/source/Cooper_Vuna), [Doug Howlett](/source/Doug_Howlett), [Toutai Kefu](/source/Toutai_Kefu) and [Tatafu Polota-Nau](/source/Tatafu_Polota-Nau) – have played for either the All Blacks or the Wallabies. [British and Irish Lion](/source/British_and_Irish_Lions) and Welsh international player [Taulupe "Toby" Faletau](/source/Taulupe_Faletau) is Tongan born and the son of Tongan international [Kuli Faletau](/source/Kuli_Faletau). Taulupe's cousins and England international players [Billy](/source/Billy_Vunipola) and [Mako Vunipola](/source/Mako_Vunipola) (who is also a [British and Irish Lion](/source/British_and_Irish_Lion)), are sons of former Tonga rugby captain [Fe'ao Vunipola](/source/Fe'ao_Vunipola). Rugby is popular among the nation's schools, and students from schools such as Tonga College and [Tupou College](/source/Tupou_College) are regularly offered scholarships in New Zealand, Australia and Japan.

#### Rugby league

The Tongan rugby league team

[Rugby league](/source/Rugby_league) has gained some success. Tonga made their first appearance at a [Rugby League World Cup](/source/Rugby_League_World_Cup) in the [1995](/source/1995_Rugby_League_World_Cup) edition where they went out in the first stage but narrowly lost to [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand_national_rugby_league_team). They have since appeared in each subsequent Rugby League World Cup tournament. In the [2008 Rugby League World Cup](/source/2008_Rugby_League_World_Cup) [Tonga](/source/Tonga_national_rugby_league_team) recorded wins against [Ireland](/source/Ireland_national_rugby_league_team) and [Scotland](/source/Scotland_national_rugby_league_team). Just before the [2017 World Cup](/source/2017_Rugby_League_World_Cup), various high-profile players, led by [Jason Taumalolo](/source/Jason_Taumalolo) and [Andrew Fifita](/source/Andrew_Fifita), defected from their tier one nations to represent their nation of heritage. This led to them defeating New Zealand in Hamilton at [Waikato Stadium](/source/Waikato_Stadium) on 11 November at that tournament. The national team has since also recorded victories against [Great Britain](/source/Great_Britain_national_rugby_league_team) and the world number one [Australia](/source/Australia_national_rugby_league_team). In addition to the success of the national team, many players of Tongan descent make it big in the Australian [National Rugby League](/source/National_Rugby_League) competition. These include [Jason Taumalolo](/source/Jason_Taumalolo), [Israel Folau](/source/Israel_Folau), [Tyson Frizell](/source/Tyson_Frizell), [Tevita Pangai Junior](/source/Tevita_Pangai_Junior), [Konrad Hurrell](/source/Konrad_Hurrell), [David Fusitua](/source/David_Fusitua), [Tuimoala Lolohea](/source/Tuimoala_Lolohea), [Sio Siua Taukeiaho](/source/Sio_Siua_Taukeiaho), [Jorge Taufua](/source/Jorge_Taufua), [William Hopoate](/source/William_Hopoate), [Andrew Fifita](/source/Andrew_Fifita), [Ben Murdoch-Masila](/source/Ben_Murdoch-Masila), [Felise Kaufusi](/source/Felise_Kaufusi), [Willie Mason](/source/Willie_Mason), [Manu Vatuvei](/source/Manu_Vatuvei), [Brent Kite](/source/Brent_Kite), [Fuifui Moimoi](/source/Fuifui_Moimoi), [Willie Tonga](/source/Willie_Tonga), [Anthony Tupou](/source/Anthony_Tupou), [Antonio Kaufusi](/source/Antonio_Kaufusi), [Michael Jennings](/source/Michael_Jennings_(rugby_league)), [Tony Williams](/source/Tony_Williams_(rugby_league)), [Feleti Mateo](/source/Feleti_Mateo). Subsequently, some Tongan rugby league players have established successful careers in the [Super League](/source/Super_League) such as Antonio Kaufusi.[108]

#### Olympics

Main article: [Tonga at the Olympics](/source/Tonga_at_the_Olympics)

Aside from rugby, Tonga has also produced athletes who have competed at both the Summer and Winter Olympics. Tonga's only Olympic medal came from the [1996 Summer Olympics](/source/1996_Summer_Olympics) in Atlanta, where [Paea Wolfgramm](/source/Paea_Wolfgramm) won silver in [super heavyweight](/source/Boxing_at_the_1996_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Super_heavyweight) boxing. One athlete, [Pita Taufatofua](/source/Pita_Taufatofua), attended the [2018 Winter Olympics](/source/2018_Winter_Olympics) in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

#### American football

Several Tongans have been football players in the [National Football League](/source/National_Football_League), including [Naufahu Tahi](/source/Naufahu_Tahi), [Tuineau Alipate](/source/Tuineau_Alipate), [Sione Takitaki](/source/Sione_Takitaki), [Spencer Folau](/source/Spencer_Folau), [Lakei Heimuli](/source/Lakei_Heimuli), [Steve Kaufusi](/source/Steve_Kaufusi), [Ma'ake Kemoeatu](/source/Ma'ake_Kemoeatu), [Deuce Lutui](/source/Deuce_Lutui), [Siupeli Malamala](/source/Siupeli_Malamala), [Tim Manoa](/source/Tim_Manoa), [Stan Mataele](/source/Stan_Mataele), [Vili Maumau](/source/Vili_Maumau), [Alfred Pupunu](/source/Alfred_Pupunu), [Vai Sikahema](/source/Vai_Sikahema), [Star Lotulelei](/source/Star_Lotulelei), [Kalani Sitake](/source/Kalani_Sitake), [Vita Vea](/source/Vita_Vea), [Talanoa Hufanga](/source/Talanoa_Hufanga), [Peter Tuipulotu](/source/Peter_Tuipulotu), [Marlon Tuipulotu](/source/Marlon_Tuipulotu), and [Tuli Tuipulotu](/source/Tuli_Tuipulotu).[109]

### Media

- *[Matangi Tonga](https://matangitonga.to)* – online newspaper

- *[Taimi o Tonga](/source/Times_of_Tonga)* (*Times of Tonga*) – controversial newspaper [*[according to whom?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Words_to_watch#Unsupported_attributions)*]

- *Keleʻa* – newspaper

- *Talaki* – newspaper

- *[Kalonikali](/source/Tonga_Chronicle)* – newspaper

- *Tauʻataina* – newspaper

- *Kakalu* – newspaper

- [Tonga Broadcasting Commission](/source/Tonga_Broadcasting_Commission) ([Television Tonga](/source/Television_Tonga), [Television Tonga 2](/source/Television_Tonga_2), [Radio Tonga](/source/Radio_Tonga) 1, [Radio Tonga](/source/Radio_Tonga) 2 – Kool 90FM, [103FM](/source/Radio_Tonga))

### Contemporary Tongan art

There has been a huge surge of contemporary Tongan artists in the past decade,[*[when?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items)*] the majority based in New Zealand. [Tanya Edwards](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tanya_Edwards&action=edit&redlink=1) works with ngatu (bark cloths),[110] [Benjamin Work](/source/Benjamin_Work), [Telly Tuita](/source/Telly_Tuita), and [Sione Monū](/source/Sione_Mon%C5%AB) are widely exhibited internationally,[111][112][113] [Sēmisi Fetokai Potauaine](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=S%C4%93misi_Fetokai_Potauaine&action=edit&redlink=1) built a five-storey Tongan sculpture in central [Christchurch](/source/Christchurch).[114] In 2023, [Bergman Gallery](/source/Bergman_Gallery) hosted *Tukufakaholo, Tongan Contemporary* in [Auckland](/source/Auckland), [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand), featuring eight Tongan artists.[115]

## See also

- [Geography portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Geography)
- [Islands portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Islands)
- [Oceania portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Oceania)

- [Outline of Tonga](/source/Outline_of_Tonga)

- [List of islands and towns in Tonga](/source/List_of_islands_and_towns_in_Tonga)

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Both pronunciations are used in English, although the former is preferred as it is closer to the Tongan pronunciation. In [North America](/source/North_American_English) and the [United Kingdom](/source/British_English), both pronunciations are used, while the preferred pronunciation (i.e the former) is almost always used in [Australia](/source/Australian_English), [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand_English) and the [Pacific Islands](/source/Pacific_Islands).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [/ˈtɒŋə/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) [*TONG-ə*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key), [/ˈtɒŋɡə/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) [ⓘ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:En-us-Tonga.ogg) [*TONG-gə*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key);[a] Tongan: [\[ˈtoŋa\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [Tongan](/source/Tongan_language): *Puleʻanga Fakatuʻi ʻo Tonga*[6]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CIA_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CIA_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-CIA_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-CIA_1-3) ["Tonga"](https://web.archive.org/web/20260118153057/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/tonga/). *The World Factbook*. Archived from [the original](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/tonga/) on 18 January 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Tonga's population drops to 100,209"](https://web.archive.org/web/20211224045529/https://matangitonga.to/2021/12/24/tongas-population-drops-100209). Matangi Tonga. 24 December 2021. Archived from [the original](https://matangitonga.to/2021/12/24/tongas-population-drops-100209) on 24 December 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-imf.org_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-imf.org_3-1) ["Report for Selected Countries and Subjects"](https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=88&pr.y=5&sy=2017&ey=2024&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=866&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC&grp=0&a=). *www.imf.org*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200608123754/https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2019/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=88&pr.y=5&sy=2017&ey=2024&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=866&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC&grp=0&a=) from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Gini Index coefficient"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204222738/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/gini-index-coefficient-distribution-of-family-income/country-comparison/). [The World Factbook](/source/The_World_Factbook). Archived from [the original](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/field/gini-index-coefficient-distribution-of-family-income/country-comparison/) on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 24 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-UNHDR_5-0)** ["Human Development Report 2023/24"](https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2023-24reporten.pdf) (PDF). [United Nations Development Programme](/source/United_Nations_Development_Programme). 13 March 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240313164319/https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2023-24reporten.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CIAWFBTonga_8-0)** ["Tonga"](https://web.archive.org/web/20260118153057/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/tonga/). *The World Factbook*. Central Intelligence Agency. 10 December 2025. Government: Country name. Archived from [the original](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/tonga/) on 18 January 2026. Retrieved 31 May 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:3_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:3_10-1) ["Tonga Population 2021 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs)"](https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/tonga-population). *worldpopulationreview.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211028164659/https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/tonga-population) from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-UN_WPP_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-UN_WPP_11-1) ["World Population Prospects 2022"](https://population.un.org/wpp/). [United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs](/source/United_Nations_Department_of_Economic_and_Social_Affairs), Population Division. Retrieved 17 July 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-UN_WPP_2022_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-UN_WPP_2022_12-1) ["World Population Prospects 2022: Demographic indicators by region, subregion and country, annually for 1950–2100"](https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Files/1_Indicators%20(Standard)/EXCEL_FILES/1_General/WPP2022_GEN_F01_DEMOGRAPHIC_INDICATORS_COMPACT_REV1.xlsx) (XSLX) ("Total Population, as of 1 July (thousands)"). [United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs](/source/United_Nations_Department_of_Economic_and_Social_Affairs), Population Division. Retrieved 17 July 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-:02_13-0)** see writings of Ata of Kolovai in "O Tama a Aiga" by Morgan Tuimaleali'ifano; writings by Mahina, also coronation edition of Spasifik Magazine, "The Pacific Islands: An Encyclopedia," edited by Lal and Fortune, pp. 133–

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Search | English – Tongan Translator"](http://www.tongantranslator.com/search.aspx). *www.tongantranslator.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180429231923/http://tongantranslator.com/search.aspx) from the original on 29 April 2018. Retrieved 29 April 2018.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** [Mariner, William](/source/William_Mariner_(writer)) and [Martin](/source/John_Martin_(meteorologist)), John (1817). *An account of the natives of the Tonga islands in the south Pacific Ocean: With an original grammar and vocabulary of their language. Compiled and arranged from the extensive communications of Mr. William Mariner, several years' resident in those islands*, Volume 2, [pp. 64–65](https://books.google.com/books?id=AD9CAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA64) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160412133043/https://books.google.com/books?id=AD9CAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA64) 12 April 2016 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine). Retrieved 3 November 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Maui's Fish Hook"](https://tongatime.com/mauis-fish-hook/). Tonga Time. 9 April 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230314010858/https://tongatime.com/mauis-fish-hook/) from the original on 14 March 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-Stanton_24-0)** Stanton, William (1975). [*The Great United States Exploring Expedition*](https://archive.org/details/greatunitedstate00will/page/186). Berkeley: University of California Press. p. [186](https://archive.org/details/greatunitedstate00will/page/186). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-520-02557-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-520-02557-8).

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** George Woodcock, "Tonga: The Last of the Victorians." *History Today* (1975) 25#1 pp. 31–39.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Kohn, George C. (2008). [*Encyclopedia of plague and pestilence: from ancient times to the present*](https://books.google.com/books?id=tzRwRmb09rgC&pg=PA363). Infobase Publishing. p. 363. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8160-6935-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8160-6935-4). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160101182730/https://books.google.com/books?id=tzRwRmb09rgC&pg=PA363) from the original on 1 January 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2015.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** [Climate Summary](http://www.met.gov.to/index_files/climate_summary_tonga.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120417123456/http://www.met.gov.to/index_files/climate_summary_tonga.pdf) 17 April 2012 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) [PDF](/source/PDF)

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-104)** ["Tonga's Proud Diaspora Confronts Daunting Challenge of Disaster Response"](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/28/world/australia/tonga-diaspora-recovery.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. 28 January 2022. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230314010615/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/28/world/australia/tonga-diaspora-recovery.html) from the original on 14 March 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-105)** Hannah Huidan Lin (January 2011). [Determinants of Remittances: Evidence from Tonga](https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2011/wp1118.pdf) (PDF) (Report). [International Monetary Fund](/source/International_Monetary_Fund). p. 3. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210718222602/https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2011/wp1118.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 18 July 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2021. Remittances are important to Tonga. Over the past decade, remittances as a share of GDP in Tonga have varied between 30 and 55 percent, with an average of around 45 percent

1. **[^](#cite_ref-106)** ["Remittances for November 2020"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210420142121/http://reservebank.to/index.php/economic/rem.html). *reservebank.to*. Reserve Bank of Tonga. 5 February 2021. Archived from [the original](http://www.reservebank.to/index.php/economic/rem.html) on 20 April 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2026. Over the year to November 2020, private transfer receipts rose significantly by $33.5 million (10.5%) supporting the higher annual movement of total remittance receipts. Although economies abroad have been heavily disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Tongan families abroad continue to provide financial support to their loved ones in Tonga.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:4_107-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:4_107-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:4_107-2) Evans, Mike (2007). "Property, propriety, and ecology in contemporary Tonga". *Human Organization*. **66** (1): 22–27. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.17730/humo.66.1.h65w4867x5x0j101](https://doi.org/10.17730%2Fhumo.66.1.h65w4867x5x0j101) (inactive 8 December 2025).{{[cite journal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_journal)}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of December 2025 ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_DOI_inactive_as_of_December_2025))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-108)** Alkire, William (1978). *Coral Islanders*. AHM Publishing Corporation: Arlington Heights.{{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: CS1 maint: publisher location ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_publisher_location))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-109)** ["Tonga Sport"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150226202930/http://www.virtualoceania.net/tonga/culture/sport.shtml). *Virtual Oceania*. 26 February 2015. Archived from [the original](http://www.virtualoceania.net/tonga/culture/sport.shtml) on 26 February 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-110)** ["Official RWC 2011 Site"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120107015727/http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/teams/team=42/index.html/). *rugbyworldcup.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/teams/team=42/index.html/) on 7 January 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-111)** ["Superleague"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120406012927/http://superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=12004). Superleague. 8 October 2008. Archived from [the original](http://superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=12004) on 6 April 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-112)** Grasso, John (2013). *Historical Dictionary of Football*. Scarecrow Press. Page 492. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780810878570](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780810878570)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-113)** Smith, Samantha (6 July 2015). ["Paying tribute through traditional artwork"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/manukau-courier/69920154/paying-tribute-through-traditional-artwork). *Stuff*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231211220126/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/manukau-courier/69920154/paying-tribute-through-traditional-artwork) from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-114)** Latif, Justin (1 September 2016). ["Benjamin to bring Tongan war clubs to Big Apple"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/manukau-courier/83790306/benjamin-to-bring-tongan-war-clubs-to-big-apple). *Stuff*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231128215731/https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/manukau-courier/83790306/benjamin-to-bring-tongan-war-clubs-to-big-apple) from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-115)** ["Recycled objects portray Tongan artist's personal cultural journey"](https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/418206/recycled-objects-portray-tongan-artist-s-personal-cultural-journey). *[RNZ](/source/RNZ)*. 3 June 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-116)** Gates, Charlie (14 November 2021). ["Scape Public Art festival comes to Christchurch with eight new sculptures"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/christchurch-life/art-and-stage/visual-art/126956774/scape-public-art-festival-comes-to-christchurch-with-eight-new-sculptures). *Stuff*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231211220127/https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/christchurch-life/art-and-stage/visual-art/126956774/scape-public-art-festival-comes-to-christchurch-with-eight-new-sculptures) from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-117)** Gates, Charlie (27 March 2019). ["New five-storey sculpture for central Christchurch to be installed by end of year"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/111579075/new-fivestorey-sculpture-for-central-christchurch-to-be-installed-by-end-of-year). *Stuff*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231211220126/https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/111579075/new-fivestorey-sculpture-for-central-christchurch-to-be-installed-by-end-of-year) from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-118)** Pulu, John (22 September 2023). ["Tongan-Kiwi artists draw inspiration from their past"](https://tpplus.co.nz/arts-music/tongan-kiwi-artists-draw-inspiration-from-their-past/). *TP+*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231211220128/https://tpplus.co.nz/arts-music/tongan-kiwi-artists-draw-inspiration-from-their-past/) from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.

## Further reading

### Ethnography, culture, and history

- *On the Edge of the Global: Modern Anxieties in a Pacific Island Nation* (2011) by Niko Besnier. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8047-7406-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8047-7406-2)

- *Islanders of the South: Production, Kinship and Ideology in the Polynesian Kingdom of Tonga* (1993) by Paul van der Grijp. Leiden: KITLV Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [90 6718 058 0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/90_6718_058_0)

- *Identity and Development: Tongan Culture, Agriculture, and the Perenniality of the Gift* (2004) by Paul van der Grijp. Leiden: KITLV Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [90 6718 215 X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/90_6718_215_X)

- *Manifestations of Mana: Political Power and Divine Inspiration in Polynesia* (2014) by Paul van der Grijp. Vienna and Berlin: LIT Verlag. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-643-90496-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-643-90496-6)

- *Becoming Tongan: An Ethnography of Childhood* by Helen Morton

- *Queen Salote of Tonga: The Story of an Era, 1900–65* by [Elizabeth Wood-Ellem](/source/Elizabeth_Wood-Ellem)

- *Tradition Versus Democracy in the South Pacific: Fiji, Tonga and Western Samoa* by Stephanie Lawson

- *Voyages: From Tongan Villages to American Suburbs* Cathy A. Small

- *Friendly Islands: A History of Tonga* (1977). Noel Rutherford. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-19-550519-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-19-550519-0)

- *Tonga and the Tongans: Heritage and Identity* (2007) Elizabeth Wood-Ellem. Alphington, Vic.: Tonga Research Association, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-646-47466-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-646-47466-3)

- *Early Tonga: As the Explorers Saw it 1616–1810*. (1987). Edwin N Ferdon. Tucson: University of Arizona Press; [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8165-1026-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8165-1026-1)

- *The Art of Tonga* (Ko e ngaahi'aati'o Tonga) by Keith St Cartmail. (1997) Honolulu : University of Hawai`i Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8248-1972-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8248-1972-1)

- *The Tonga Book* by Paul. W. Dale

- *Tonga* by James Siers

### Wildlife and environment

- *Birds of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa* by [Dick Watling](/source/Dick_Watling)

- *A Guide to the Birds of Fiji and Western Polynesia: Including American Samoa, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna* by Dick Watling

- *Guide to the Birds of the Kingdom of Tonga* by Dick Watling

### Travel guides

- *Lonely Planet Guide: Samoan Islands and Tonga* by Susannah Farfor and Paul Smitz

- *Moon Travel Guide: Samoa-Tonga* by David Stanley

### Bibliography

- Martin Daly (2009). [*Tonga: A New Bibliography*](https://books.google.com/books?id=LsPR8tXQ69oC). University of Hawaii Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8248-3196-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8248-3196-7). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200819142811/https://books.google.com/books?id=LsPR8tXQ69oC) from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2015.

### Fiction

- Brian K. Crawford (2009). [*Toki: A Historical Novel*](https://books.google.com/books?id=7uraAgAAQBAJ). Brian K. Crawford. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-557-03434-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-557-03434-5). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200818203039/https://books.google.com/books?id=7uraAgAAQBAJ) from the original on 18 August 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2018.

## External links

**Tonga**  at Wikipedia's [sister projects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikimedia_sister_projects)

- [Definitions](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Special:Search/Tonga) from Wiktionary
- [Media](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Tonga) from Commons
- [Quotations](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Special:Search/Tonga) from Wikiquote
- [Texts](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Special:Search/Tonga) from Wikisource
- [Textbooks](https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:Search/Tonga) from Wikibooks
- [Resources](https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Special:Search/Tonga) from Wikiversity
- [Travel information](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Tonga) from Wikivoyage

- [Tonga](https://web.archive.org/web/20260118153057/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/tonga/). *[The World Factbook](/source/The_World_Factbook)*. [Central Intelligence Agency](/source/Central_Intelligence_Agency).

- [Tonga](https://web.archive.org/web/20080607085903/http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/govpubs/for/tonga.htm) from UCB Libraries GovPubs (archived 7 June 2008)

- [Wikimedia Atlas of Tonga](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Atlas_of_Tonga)

- [J. Edward Hoffmeister Films](https://library.ucsd.edu/dc/collection/bb4745366c) from the J. Edward Hoffmeister Papers. MSS 231. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego

v t e Tonga articles History Timeline Tuʻi Tonga Early empire Muʻa Langi Tuʻi Haʻatakalaua Tuʻi Kanokupolu Kingdom of Tonga (1900–1970) 2006 Nukuʻalofa riots Cyclone Gita COVID-19 pandemic 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption and tsunami Geography Earthquakes Islands and towns Volcanoes Wildlife Natural disasters Subdivisions Tongatapu Vavaʻu Haʻapai Niuas ʻEua Politics Cabinet Constitution Elections Foreign relations Military commander Monarchs Crown Prince Parliament building Political parties Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister Privy Council (judiciary) Economy Agriculture Paʻanga (currency) Telecommunications Transport Tourism Society Anthem Coat of arms Demographics Education Flag Health Language Nobility Culture Dance Kava Literature Music Narrative Religion Sports Outline Category

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Tonga](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonga) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonga?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.