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The archipelago of "The Friendly Islands" was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. 30 years later it became a constitutional monarchy and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, you will find the islands of Tonga about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. Tonga's climate is tropical, modified by trade winds. The summer season reaches out from december to may, the cool season from may to december.

Most of the small islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base.

two thirds of the population of Tonga live on the island of Tongatapu.

Tongatapu
Tongatapu is the largest island in the Kingdom of Tonga. It is home to two thirds of its people. A roughly triangular shaped island measures about 34 km across from west to east. Most of the island is less than 17 meters above sea level. The capital Nukualofa, is a slow paced city of about 30,000 inhabitants. The archeological site of Haamonga is very impressive and should not be missed. Mua is a good place from where to see it.

The island is an area of raised reef limestone on a deep base of volcanic sedimentary rock. The low northern cost is a reef platform, in places up to 200 meters in width. The high windward side of the eastern coast is known as "lilu" has a narrow reef ledge varying in height from 6 to 46 meters. The highest point of 65 meters lays between the airport village of Fu'amotu and Nakolo.

The south and east coasts face very deep water. See the blowholes at Houma. Here waves crash against the reef and through blowholes create spectacular sights. From south east coast the island of "Eua is visible. Tongatapu has no rivers are streams. Tongatapu's drinking water supply come from underground, called the water lens. Rainwater falling on the islands permutes and floats on top of the heavier sea water. This water is pumped up for the town supply. Rainwater collected in tanks is an alternative source of drinking water for many a Tongan home.

Nukualofa
Nuku'alofa's white Victorian "Royal Palace" is symbol synonymous with the Kingdom of Tonga. Visitors can see the palace from outside of the surrounding walls. When H.M. King Taufa'ahau Tupou is in residence -- the royal standard is flying from the palace. This was once home of the late Queen Salote Tupou III, mother of the present king.

Nuka'alofa, the capital of Tonga is the center of government and is the seat of His Majesty and Legislative Assembly. Tonga is a Constitutional Monarchy, which came into being in 1875 -- with a declaration of the Tongan Constitution by King Tupou I. Today the Tongan government is divided into three bodies: a.) The King Privy Council and Cabinet, b.) The Legislative Assembly and c.) The Judiciary.

Culture

Tongans are a nations of church-gores. On Sundays, the roads are filled with people in their Sunday best. Much of the Tongan population are of a Christian denomination. You will find Muslin groups, the Bahai Faith, and a Mormon Church. Visitors are welcome to attend services. The Tonga Visitors Bureau will help the visitor to make contacts. Our countries finest choirs are found in our churches. Come and listen to the choir of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga's Centenary Church at 10:00 am on Sundays.

The Kingdom of Tonga was the first South Pacific nation to establish national parks and reserves to protect its unique ecological resources. With special attention the numerous coral reefs north of Tongatapu. Vast areas of natural rain-forest occur on the Niua islands and 'Eua, as well as on other volcanic islands.

Feasting, plays a major role in the Tongan lifestyle, with Tongan feasts famous throughout the Pacific for their variety of food and gargantuan size. On a "pola" or long tray made from plaited coconut fronds there can be up to 30 different dishes: steamed pork, suckling pig, fish, crayfish, beef, octopus, and a complete array of tropical fruits. With the exception of suckling pig, which is roasted over an oven fire, Tongan foods are cooked in an underground oven called an 'umu'. Feasting is generally followed by singing and dancing. Tonga is an extremely talented musical nation. The singing, whether by a small group or a choir of a thousand voices, is justifiably renowned.

The "lakalaka" is the traditional Tongan dance, and is performed by anywhere from twenty to several hundred dancers. Each "lakalaka" tells a different story and is acted out to the accompaniment of the dancers singing the story. Tongan dancing is reserved and graceful, with the focus of attention on the hands and feet.

Tongan handicrafts are not mass produced. Each piece is unique. The visitor can see still the traditional methods of tapa making and basket weaving, The workmanship of Tongan handicrafts is reputed to be the finest in the Pacific.

Tongans still maintain traditional dress codes including the Tupenu, a wrap round, skirt like clothe worn by Tongan males for all formal occasions. The tupenu is the normal work attire and is also worn to church. It is ideal for the Tongan climate. Tongan women wear long wrap around them, that extend their dress to the ankles. Again, this is the attire for formal occasions. A ta?ovala or kie kie is worn around the waste of all Tongans to formal occasions as a symbol of respect to God, King and Country. The closest item in Western Society to the ta'ovala would be the neck tie.

Many restaurants have small bars, and several are located along the waterfront are popular watering holes.

Kava is often called the "official drink of the Pacific". It is made from the ground roots of a native pepper plant (Pepper Methysticum). Kava has been part of Tongan formal ceremony and social culture for more than two thousand years. Friday night Kava clubs can be found all over Tonga. Visitors are always welcome and the location of the nearest Kava club can be found by asking any taxi driver. Shopping in Nuku'alofa is a real adventure. Silk screen prints, tie dying and hand painted distinctly South Pacific clothes are made by several outlets.