Tonga
From World travel guide
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| Quick Facts | |
| Capital | Nuku'alofa |
| Government | hereditary constitutional monarchy |
| Currency | pa'anga (TOP) |
| Area | total: 748 sq km water: 30 sq km land: 718 sq km |
| Population | 106,137 (July 2002 est.) |
| Language | Tongan, English |
| Religion | Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents) |
Tonga, the "Friendly Islands", is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.
Contents |
Regions
Tonga is divided into three island groups, or regions.
- Tongatapu -- home of the capitol, Nuku'alofa
- Ha'apai -- the least populated group
- Vava'u -- and Neiafu a popular yachting destination
Other destinations
Understand
History
The archipelago of "The Friendly Islands" was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 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.
People
Climate
Holidays
Get in
You either come in by airplane or yacht.
By plane
Air New Zealand flies from Aukland and Los Angeles. You can also arrive from Fiji
By boat
Lots of people arrive by private yacht since Tonga is a common stop on the around the world circuit.
Get around
To get between island groups, you basically have to fly (or yacht). The one national airline is owned by one of the princes and is called Air Peau. As of late 2004, they flew a 60 year-old DC-3 which was quite an experience.
Talk
English is widely spoken as in Tongan.
Buy
The national currency is the Pa'anga, or Tongan dollar.
Eat
Tongan feasts are a must do.
Drink
Beer and liquor is available everywhere, but you have to try Kava (something like liquid novacaine) at least once.
Sleep
Learn
Work
Stay safe
Stay healthy
Respect
Not really an issue in tourist areas, but for maximum respect, keep your knees covered. (Both men and women.) This is a very Christian, conservative country.
Contact
External links
- Tonga Holiday -- Official Tourist Board Web site
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