The ancient Polynesian Kingdom of Tonga is one of the world's few remaining constitutional monarchies, renowned for its friendliness and gentle pace of life. Ruled by King George Tupou V, only 37 of Tonga's idyllic islands are inhabited. The Tongatapu Group in the south is home to the capital of Nuku'alofa and rugged 'Eua Island. To the north lies the stunning Ha'apai Group, a chain of atolls fringed by dazzling beaches and turquoise waters, and further north is the peaceful Vava'u Group with its sandy beaches and myriad of waterways.

Thought to have been inhabited since the 5th century BC, Tonga has a rich history with fascinating archaeological sites, including the terraced tombs (langi)  in the Lapaha area of Tongatapu Island. The landscape is typically South Pacific, with white sandy beaches, clear lagoons, coconut groves, pandanus palms and banana plantations. Tonga was the first Pacific country to create maritime parks and there is superb fishing, diving and snorkelling. From June to November, Humpback whales come to breed in the warm waters around Vava'u, providing unique whale watching opportunities.

Geographic Location

Just west of the International Dateline between 15ºS and 23.5ºS latitude and 173ºW and 177ºW longitude. Tonga is 775km south-east of Fiji, 1190km north-east of Auckland and 3220km north-east of Sydney.

Population

105,000

Capital City

Nuku'alofa on the island of Tongatapu

Climate

Pleasant and slightly cooler than most tropical areas.
The mean annual temperature is 23.7ºC.
Wet Season: December to March.

Time Zone

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) plus 13 hours

Visitor Information

Tonga Visitors Bureau
PO Box 37
Vuna Road
Nuku'alofa
Kingdom of Tonga.
Email the Tonga Visitors Bureau