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According to localcollegeexplorer, Tonga is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. It has a population of around 105,000 people and covers an area of 748 square kilometers. The country has a rich cultural history dating back to the 12th century when it was first settled by Polynesian voyagers from Samoa and Tonga. Tonga was first unified as a kingdom under King Fatafehi Tu’i Tonga in 1845. During this period, Tonga developed strong links with both Britain and France as well as other European countries which had begun trading with the islands in the late 1700s. This period also saw the growth of Christianity in Tonga with King George Tupou I introducing it as the official religion in 1875. In 1900, Tonga became a British protectorate while still maintaining its independence and sovereignty. However, during World War II, it was occupied by Japan for three months before being liberated by Allied forces in 1945. After WWII, Britain granted Tonga full independence on June 4th 1970 making it one of the world’s oldest independent nations. Since then, Tonga has continued to develop politically and economically with increased foreign investment from both private companies and international organizations such as the World Bank and IMF. The country also remains an active member of international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), Commonwealth of Nations, Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Pacific Community (SPC). Tonga is a constitutional monarchy headed by King Tupou VI who ascended to the throne in 2012 after his father’s death in 2006. Under his reign there have been various reforms implemented to promote democracy, human rights and economic development such as allowing political parties to participate in elections for parliament seats for first time ever in 2010 general election which also saw pro-democracy candidate ‘Akilisi Pohiva become Prime Minister of Tonga until his death in 2019 at age 78 due to complications from diabetes. Tonga, officially the Kingdom of Tonga, is an archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean and has a population of around 108 thousand people. It is made up of 169 islands, 36 of which are inhabited. The capital city of Nuku’alofa is home to around 24 thousand people and is known for its colonial architecture and vibrant markets. The official language of Tonga is English although many other local languages are also spoken. The currency used in Tonga is the Pa’anga (TOP). The economy of Tonga in 2010 mainly relied on exports, tourism as well as agriculture and foreign aid. Exports accounted for around 40% of GDP with key exports being squash, fish, vanilla beans and coconut cream. Tourism also provided an important source of revenue for the country with many tourists visiting to experience its stunning landscapes such as Vavau Island or the Ha’apai Islands. Agriculture accounted for nearly 15% of GDP with key crops being taro, yams, bananas and sugarcane. Foreign aid also provided an important source of revenue to help improve infrastructure in the country such as roads and bridges. The government also invested heavily into infrastructure projects such as highways, telecommunications networks and ports which helped to improve connectivity within the country as well as attract more tourists from abroad. In addition, there were numerous technological advancements such as internet access that were being implemented in some parts of the country in order to make it more competitive globally. Check ezinereligion for Tonga Religion and Languages.

Tonga Guide

Tonga Guide

Tonga – country information Country name Tonga Official name Kingdom of Tonga Capital Nuku’alofa Continent Australia and Oceania Area 747 km2 Population 103,036 (2011) Foundation of a state 4/6/1970 The highest mountains highest point 1030 m (on Kao Island) State system a constitutional monarchy without political parties with a unicameral parliament The biggest cities Nuku’alofa (On Tongatapu) (Capital) 35,000 Official language Tongan, English Ethnicity/National Composition Tongans 95.5%, mixed with Tongans 2.8%, others 1.7% Religious affiliation Protestant 61.5%, Roman Catholic 16%,…

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