Administrative divisions
3 island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u |
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Capital city > Geographic coordinates
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21 08 S, 175 12 W |
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Constitution
4 November 1875; revised 1 January 1967 |
Diplomatic representation in the US > Chief of mission
Ambassador Fekitamoeloa 'UTOIKAMANU |
Executive branch > Cabinet
Cabinet consists of 14 members, 10 appointed by the monarch for life; four appointed from among the elected members of the Legislative Assembly, including two each from the nobles' and peoples' representatives serving three-year terms |
Executive branch > Chief of state
King George TUPOU V (since 11 September 2006) |
Flag description
red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner |
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Government type
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constitutional monarchy |
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Independence
4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate) |
Judicial branch
Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch); Court of Appeal (Chief Justice and high court justices from overseas chosen and approved by Privy Council) |
Legal system
based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction |
Legislative branch
unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (32 seats - 14 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms) |
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National holiday
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Emancipation Day, 4 June |
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Political parties and leaders
Tonga Human Rights and Democracy Movement or THRDM [Uliti UATA]; People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tesina FUKO] |
Political pressure groups and leaders
Human Rights and Democracy Movement Tonga or HRDMT [Rev. Simote VEA, chairman]; Public Servant's Association [Finau TUTONE] |
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Status
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pseudo-democracy |
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Suffrage
21 years of age; universal |
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Time required to start a business > days
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32 days
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[96th of 171]
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Trademarks, residents
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1
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[67th of 98]
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Transnational Issues > Disputes > International
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none |
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