the Travel Enthusiast
- 18 May
Adam in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTSTonga, The Island of Pleasure
The charming and exceptionally beautiful Kolovai Beach in Tonga San-Tus | Pixelarium.cz/flickr
Tonga is a Polynesian island country that is situated on the Pacific/Oceania. It is surrounded by other island countries like Vanuatu to west , Fiji to northwest, Samoa to northeast, Kermadec to southwest and Niue to east.
The capital is Nuku’alofa and the currency is Tongan Dollar.
The official and national language is English and Tongan.
The country has a population of 105.00 people. The coastline is 420 km and the total area has 748 sq km.
Tonga is very famous for its picturesque nature, delightful beaches and numerous islands. The points of interest of the country are the following:
- Tofua is one of the most unique island in the world. It was created by lava’s of volcano eruptions and has a large lake in the middle of the island.
- Hufangalupe is a scenic land bridge known for its beautiful panoramic view and also for its beache
- Ha’atafu Beach has many resorts and lodges that are worth a visit. The beach itself is also beautiful.
- Kovalai beach is one of Oceania’s if not the worlds most lavishing sights. A very beautiful beach with golden sands and coconut palm trees all around.
- Ha’amonga ‘a Maui is a Trilithon and are made of coral limestone. It is about 6 meters tall, 1,5 meters wide and 6 meters long. It was established in the 13th century and it’s a tentative list by UNESCO.
- Vava’u is an island group filled with crystal clear water and spectacular beaches and trees.
- Neiafu is the second most populous city in Tonga and has the reputation for its bays, ports filled with yachts and a noteworthy nightlife.
Besides the capital, other important cities of the country are:
- Haveloloto has a population of 3,500
- Vaini. The population of the city 3,100.
- Tofoa–Koloua. Its population is 2,600
- Mu’a has a population of 5,200 people. It was once the former and ancient capital of Tonga and is renowned for its royal burial toms
- Pangai is the capital village of Ha?apai, having a reputation for vibrant nightlife and beautiful sandy beaches. The population is 1,600.
The climate of the country is tropical. Between January to March it’s hot and humid while between April to December it’s cooler. Cyclones are an issue in the country and usually occur around November.
Altogether Tonga has 172 islands which 40 are inhabited. Each of these islands are different. The west islands are highly volcanic while the eastern islands are filled with corals and reefs. The eastern islands were coral formed. There are active volcanoes in some islands and there is an active volcano that works under the sea.
The vegetation of the country is outstanding. Like the topography, the vegetation is rich and diverse. The Vava’u island is vast with jungles and forests. Coconut palm trees are predominant throughout the coastlines. The island of Eua is very hilly and also forested.
An example of the Trilithon of Ha’amonga ‘a Maui ©Tony Bowden/flickr
Tonga is particularly renowned for its agricultural plantations of many crops, especially plantations of coconut trees in Tongatapu (the island is completely flat).
The fauna includes “flying fox” which in fact it’s a fruit bat having almost one meter wings. Other species are parrots and they say that the island has the most beautiful bird species on the Pacific.
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)The most common environmental issue that it faces are damages to coral reefs and deforestation.
The infrastructure and transportation is relatively decent. 30% of the roads are paved. Tonga has only two main ports and those are situated in Neiafu and Nuku’alofa. They both have shipping connections with Australia and Europe as well as the neighboring islands.
The only international airport is Fua’amotu international airport that lies 21 km from the capital. It connects Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and the rest of the Pacific islands.
The blue crowned lory, a common bird specie that is widespread throughout Tonga ©Alan Hill/flickr
The majority of Tonga’s population are made of Polynesians. The island suffers from mass emigration to countries like New Zealand, United States and Australia.
A pure example of an island in Vava’u ©tobze/flickr
The religion consists mainly by Christians( Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Church of Tonga and others). Freedom of Religion is granted and respected.
The health care system is going well. Hospitals can be found in most islands and all of them are in good state. It enjoys a good life expectancy which is around 75 years.
Immigration and custom of the country is respected and strict. Visas are required for most foreigners. Traveling within the country is easy due to its size. A former British protectorate, the traffic is on the left side. Ferry services are frequent between the islands and taxis and buses are also available throughout the country.
The political status of the country is monarchy and the legislature is set at the Parliament of Tonga.
The economy of the country is stable. While not a very wealthy country, its economy still grows steadily. The main country focuses on Services(59,1%), Agriculture(18,9), and Industry(22%)
The Brief History of Tonga
Tonga was already inhabitated around 3.000 years ago. The island was ruled for millenniums by an ancient Tongan monarchy. They had a well developed political system. It was first visited by the British Explorer called James Cook. Civil wars waged between the Non-Christians and Christians throughout the 19th century until Taufa’ahau Tupou a Christian convert and then ruler of the island. He halted the entire bloodshed and established the first constitution.
Tonga was never a British colony but nevertheless it was still a British protectorate and later a Commonwealth of Nations member. The British left a great influence on Tonga. In 1900, there was a peaceful agreement between Britain and and the country. The British empire achieved its foreign affairs and protected Tonga from harm.
The country has become independent from the United Kingdom in 1970, and even before that the treaty was frequently revised.
Today it is an important member of the commonwealth and the has a good relationship with the United Kingdom. It is one of the worlds most democratic nations which respects the human rights and freedom.
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