Pule'anga 'o Tonga Kingdom of Tonga
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Ko e ʻOtua mo Tonga ko hoku tofiʻa" "God and Tonga are my Inheritance"
Anthem: Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga
Capital (and largest city)		Nukuʻalofa 21°08′S, 175°12′W
Official languages		Tongan, English
Demonym		Tongan
Government		Constitutional Monarchy
-	King	George Tupou V
-	Prime Minister	Dr. Feleti Sevele
Independence
-	from British protectorate	4 June 1970
Area
-	Total	748 km² (186th) 289 sq mi
-	Water (%)	4.0
Population
-	July 2005 estimate	112,000 (194th)
-	Density	153/km² (76th1) 396/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2005 estimate
-	Total	$817 million (167th)
-	Per capita	$7,984 (76th)
HDI (2007)		▲ 0.819 (high) (55th)
Currency		Paʻanga (TOP)
Time zone		(UTC+13)
-	Summer (DST)	(UTC+13)
Internet TLD		.to
Calling code		+676
1	Based on 2005 figures.

The Kingdom of Tonga (Tongan for "south") is an archipelago in the south Pacific Ocean comprising 169 islands, 36 of them inhabited, stretching over a distance of about 800 kilometres (500 miles) in a north-south line. The islands lie south of Samoa and are about one-third of the way from New Zealand to Hawaii. Tonga may refer to the following: The Pacific Island nation of Tonga. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Tonga. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Flag ratio: 1:2 The flag of Tonga was adopted on November 4, 1875. ... The Coat of Arms of Tonga was designed in 1875 with the creation of the constitution. ... For other uses, see Motto (disambiguation). ... A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a countrys government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people. ... Ko e fasi o e tui o e Otu Tonga (The song of the king of the Tonga Islands), but in daily life better known as fasi fakafonua (national song) is the national anthem of Tonga. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Not to be confused with capitol. ... Almost two-thirds of the population of the Kingdom of Tonga live on its main island, Tongatapu. ... Busy Talamahu market in Nukualofa Tonga Royal Palace Nukualofa, population 22,400 (1996), is the capital of Tonga. ... An official language is a language that is given a special legal status in the countries, states, and other territories. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... A demonym or gentilic is a word that denotes the members of a people or the inhabitants of a place. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A constitutional monarchy or limited monarchy is a form of government established under a constitutional system which acknowledges an elected or hereditary monarch as head of state, as opposed to an absolute monarchy, where the monarch is not... The following monarchs have reigned since the formal creation of the Tongan monarchy in 1875. ... King George Tupou V (Tongan: Siaosi Tupou V, full name: Siaosi Tāufaʻāhau Manumataongo TukuÊ»aho Tupou V), (born 4 May 1948) is the current King of Tonga. ... List of Prime Ministers of Tonga: HRH Crown Prince Tevita Unga (1876–1880) Shirley W. Baker (1880–1890) Hon. ... Feleti Sevele is the Acting Prime Minister of Tonga. ... This article is about states protected and/or dominated by a foreign power. ... is the 155th day of the year (156th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday (link shows full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the physical quantity. ... To help compare orders of magnitude of different surface areas  here is a list of areas between 1 million km² and 10 million km². See also areas of other orders of magnitude. ... This is a list of the countries of the world sorted by area. ... A square mile is an English unit of area equal to that of a square with sides each 1 statute mile (≈1,609 m) in length. ... Impact from a water drop causes an upward rebound jet surrounded by circular capillary waves. ... A percentage is a way of expressing a proportion, a ratio or a fraction as a whole number, by using 100 as the denominator. ... Map of countries by population for the year 2007 This is a list of countries ordered according to population. ... Population density per square kilometre by country, 2006 Population density map of the world in 1994. ... Population density by country, 2006 List of countries and dependencies by population density in inhabitants/km². The list includes sovereign states and self-governing dependent territories that are recognized by the United Nations. ... PPP of GDP for the countries of the world (2003). ... (Redirected from 1 E6) One million (1000000), one thousand thousand, is the natural number following 999999 and preceding 1000001. ... There are three lists of countries of the world sorted by their gross domestic product (GDP) (the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year). ... Look up Per capita in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article includes two lists of countries of the world[1] sorted by their gross domestic product (GDP) at purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita, the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year divided by the average population for the same year. ... This page talks about Human Development Index, for other HDIs see HDI (disambiguation) World map indicating Human Development Index (2007). ... This talks about the countries in the Human Development Index, for information on the Human Development Index, please Click Here World map indicating Human Development Index (2007) (Colour-blind compliant map) For red-green color vision problems. ... The paanga (or Tongan dollar) is the currency of the Kingdom of Tonga. ... ISO 4217 is the international standard describing three letter codes (also known as the currency code) to define the names of currencies established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ... Timezone and TimeZone redirect here. ... UTC redirects here. ... Although DST is common in Europe and North America, most of the worlds people do not use it. ... UTC redirects here. ... A country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is a top-level domain used and reserved for a country or a dependent territory. ... .to is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) of the island kingdom of Tonga. ... This is a list of country calling codes defined by ITU-T recommendation E.164. ... The Mergui Archipelago The Archipelago Sea, situated between the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, the largest archipelago in the world by the number of islands. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ...

Tonga is the only surviving monarchy among the island nations of the Pacific Ocean, as well as being the only island nation never to have been formally colonized. For the documentary series, see Monarchy (TV series). ...

The islands are also known as the Friendly Islands because of the friendly reception accorded to Captain Cook on his first visit in 1773. He happened to arrive at the time of the ʻinasi festival, the yearly donation of the first fruits to the Tu'i Tonga, the islands' paramount chief, and was invited to the festivities. According to the writer William Mariner, in reality the chiefs had wanted to kill Cook during the gathering, but had been unable to agree on a plan.^[1] British explorer James Cook is most noted for having discovered Australia and Hawaii. ... The Tui Tonga Empire was a powerful Oceanian empire. ... For the William Mariner who won the Victoria Cross in the First World War, see William Mariner (Victoria Cross winner) William Mariner was an Englishman who lived in the Tonga Islands from 1807 to 1811. ...

History

Main articles: History of Tonga and Tu'i Tonga Empire

Archaeological evidence shows that the first settlers in Tonga sailed from the Santa Cruz Islands, as part of the original Austronesian-speakers' (Lapita) migration which originated out of S.E. Asia some 6,000 years ago. Archaeological dating places Tonga as the oldest known site in Polynesia for the distinctive Lapita ceramic ware, at 2,800–2,750 years ago. The "Lapita" people lived and sailed, traded, warred, and intermarried in the islands now known as Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji for 1,000 years, before more explorers set off towards the east to discover the Marquesas, Tahiti, and eventually the rest of the islands of the Pacific Ocean. For this reason, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji are described by anthropologists as the cradle of Polynesian culture and civilization. The history of Tonga stretches back to around roughly 4000B.C. when the Polynesians arrived. ... The TuÊ»i Tonga Empire or Tongan Empire was a powerful Oceanian empire. ... The Santa Cruz Islands are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, part of Temotu Province of the Solomon Islands. ... The Austronesian languages are a language family widely dispersed throughout the islands of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, with a few members spoken on continental Asia. ... Lapita is the common name of an ancient Pacific Ocean culture which is believed by some to be the common ancestor of several cultures in Polynesia and surrounding areas. ... Carving from the ridgepole of a Māori house, ca 1840 Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a large grouping of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. ... Lapita is the common name of an ancient Pacific Ocean culture which is believed by some to be the common ancestor of several cultures in Polynesia and surrounding areas. ... The Marquesas Islands is a group of islands in French Polynesia. ... Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group of the French Polynesia, located in the archipelago of Society Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. ...

By the 12th century, Tongans, and the Tongan paramount chief, the Tuʻi Tonga, were known across the Pacific, from Niue to Tikopia, sparking some historians to refer to a 'Tongan Empire'. In the 15th century and again in the 17th, civil war erupted. It was in this context that the first Europeans arrived, beginning with Dutch explorers Willem Schouten and Jacob Le Maire in 1616, who called on the northern island of Niuatoputapu, and Abel Tasman, who visited Tongatapu and Haʻapai in 1643. Later noteworthy European visits were by Captain Cook in 1773, 1774, and 1777, Alessandro Malaspina in 1793, the first London missionaries in 1797, and the Wesleyan Methodist Walter Lawry Buller in 1822. The Tui Tonga Empire was a powerful Oceanian empire. ... Tikopia is the southernmost of the Santa Cruz Islands, located in the province of Temotu. ... The TuÊ»i Tonga Empire or Tongan Empire was a powerful Oceanian empire. ... Willem Cornelisz Schouten (1567?-1625) was a Dutch navigator. ... Jacob Le Maire (about 1585 to 1616) was a Dutch mariner, born in Antwerp, who circumnavigated the earth in 1615-16. ... Year 1616 (MDCXVI) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Monday of the 10-day slower Julian calendar). ... Niuatoputapu is an island in the island nation of Tonga, Pacific Ocean. ... Portrait of Tasman Abel Janszoon Tasman (1603 - October 10, 1659), was a Dutch seafarer, explorer, and merchant. ... Royal Palace on Tongatapu Tongatupu is the main island of Tonga where the capital Nukualofa is located. ... Haapai is the name given to a group of islands,islets,reefs and shoals that is part of Tonga. ... // Events January 21 - Abel Tasman discovers Tonga February 6 - Abel Tasman discovers the Fiji islands. ... British explorer James Cook is most noted for having discovered Australia and Hawaii. ... Year 1773 (MDCCLXXIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... Chesma Column in Tsarskoe Selo, commemorating the end of the Russo-Turkish War. ... Year 1777 (MDCCLXXVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Sunday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... Alessandro Malaspina (also found as Alexandro and Alejandro) (1754 - 1810) was a Spanish naval officer and explorer. ... Year 1793 (MDCCXCIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... A missionary is a propagator of religion, often an evangelist or other representative of a religious community who works among those outside of that community. ... 1797 (MDCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 11-day-slower Julian calendar). ... For other uses, see Methodism (disambiguation). ... Sir Walter Lawry Buller (October 9, 1838 - July 19, 1906) was a New Zealand lawyer, naturalist and ornithologist. ... 1822 (MDCCCXXII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ...

Tonga was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845 by the ambitious young warrior, strategist, and orator Tāufaʻāhau. He held the chiefly title of Tuʻi Kanokupolu, but was baptised with the name King George. In 1875, with the help of missionary Shirley Baker, he declared Tonga a constitutional monarchy, formally adopted the western royal style, emancipated the 'serfs', enshrined a code of law, land tenure, and freedom of the press, and limited the power of the chiefs. Carving from the ridgepole of a Māori house, ca 1840 Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a large grouping of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. ... 1845 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... King George Tupou I of Tonga George Tupou I (1797-1893 (known until 1875) as Siaosi Taufaahau Tupou Maeakafaua), was the king of Tonga from November 18, 1845 until February 18, 1893. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... 1875 (MDCCCLXXV) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ...

Tonga became a British protected state under a Treaty of Friendship on 18 May 1900, when European settlers and rival Tongan chiefs tried to oust the second king. Within the British Empire, which posted no higher permanent representative on Tonga than a British Consul (1901-1970), it was part of the British Western Pacific Territories (under a colonial High Commissioner, then residing on Fiji) from 1901 until 1952. A protected state held a similar status to that of a protectorate as part of the British Empire, except that it usually had a functioning system of internal self-government. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Äž: For the film, see: 1900 (film). ... For a comprehensive list of the territories that formed the British Empire, see Evolution of the British Empire. ... Consulate redirects here. ... The British Western Pacific Territories was the name of a colonial entity, created in 1877, for the administration, under a single representative of the British Crown, styled High Commissioner (compare other uses of this title), of a series of relatively minor Pacific islands in and around Oceania // The island entities... High Commissioner is the title of various high-ranking, special executive positions held by a commission of appointment. ... Year 1952 (MCMLII) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The Treaty of Friendship and Tonga's protectorate status ended in 1970 under arrangements established prior to her death by Queen Salote Tupou III. Tonga joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970 (atypically as an autochthonous monarchy, that is one with its own hereditary monarch rather than Elizabeth II), and the United Nations in September 1999. While exposed to colonial forces, Tonga has never lost indigenous governance, a fact that makes Tonga unique in the Pacific and gives Tongans much pride, as well as confidence in their monarchical system. As part of cost cutting measures across the British Foreign Service, the British Government closed the British High Commission in Nukuʻalofa in March 2006, transferring representation of British interests in Tonga to the UK High Commissioner in Fiji. The last resident British High Commissioner was Paul Nessling.^[2]. Sālote Tupou III (1900-16 December 1965) was Queen of Tonga from 1918 to 1965. ... The Commonwealth of Nations as of 2008. ... Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor; born 21 April 1926) is Queen of sixteen sovereign states, holding each crown and title equally. ... UN redirects here. ... 1999 is a common year starting on Friday Anno Domini (or the Current Era), and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... The indigenous peoples of Oceania are those peoples identified as indigenous peoples, as per the modern global definition of the term. ... The British High Commission is an organization found in many former British colonies that are now members of the Commonwealth. ... March 2006 : ← - January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December- → Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase announces that the 2006 Fiji general elections will be held in the second week of May 2006 from the 6th to the 13th. ...

Geography

Map of Tonga

Main article: Geography of Tonga

Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1033x1279, 132 KB) Summary http://www. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1033x1279, 132 KB) Summary http://www. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require rewriting and/or reformatting. ...

Administrative divisions

Tonga is divided into 3 administrative divisions: Ha'apai, Tongatapu and Vava'u. ^[3] Each has its own capital; the national capital, Nukuʻalofa, is also the capital of Tongatapu. Haapai is the name given to a group of islands,islets,reefs and shoals that is part of Tonga. ... Royal Palace on Tongatapu Tongatupu is the main island of Tonga where the capital Nukualofa is located. ... Vavau is an island chain of one large island and 40 smaller ones. ...

Politics

Main article: Politics of Tonga

Tonga is a constitutional monarchy. The reverence for the monarch is likened to that held in earlier centuries for the sacred paramount chief, the Tuʻi Tonga. Criticism of the monarch is held to be contrary to Tongan culture and etiquette. A direct descendant of the first monarch, King George Tupou V, his family, some powerful nobles, and a growing non-royal elite caste live in much wealth, with the rest of the country living in relative poverty. The effects of this disparity are mitigated by three factors: education, medicine, and land tenure. Politics of Tonga takes place in a framework of a constitutional monarchy, whereby the King has the executive power. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A constitutional monarchy or limited monarchy is a form of government established under a constitutional system which acknowledges an elected or hereditary monarch as head of state, as opposed to an absolute monarchy, where the monarch is not... King George Tupou V (Tongan: Siaosi Tupou V, full name: Siaosi Tāufaʻāhau Manumataongo TukuÊ»aho Tupou V), (born 4 May 1948) is the current King of Tonga. ...

Tonga's education system is free and mandatory for all children up to the age of fourteen, with only nominal fees for secondary education, and foreign-funded scholarships for post-secondary education. Tongans are well-educated, with a 98% literacy rate, and higher education up to and including medical and graduate degrees. Children reading. ...

Tongans also have universal access to a socialized medicine system. Tongan land is constitutionally protected and cannot be sold to foreigners (although it may be leased). While there is a land shortage on the urbanized main island of Tongatapu (where 70% of the population resides), there is farm land available in the outlying islands. The majority of the population engages in some form of subsistence production of food, with approximately half producing almost all of their basic food needs through farming, sea harvesting, and animal husbandry. Women and men have equal access to education and health care, and are fairly equal in employment, but women are discriminated against in land holding, electoral politics, and government ministries. However, in Tongan tradition women enjoy a higher social status than men, a cultural trait that is unique among the insular societies of the Pacific. Royal Palace on Tongatapu Tongatupu is the main island of Tonga where the capital Nukualofa is located. ...

Prime Minister Feleti Sevele

There is a pro-democracy movement in Tonga, which emphasizes reforms including better representation in the Parliament for the majority commoners, and better accountability in matters of state. An overthrow of the monarchy itself is not part of the movement and the institution of monarchy continues to hold popular support, even while reforms are advocated. Until recently, the governance issue was generally ignored by the leaders of other countries, but major aid donors and neighbours New Zealand and Australia are now expressing concerns about some Tongan government actions.

Following the precedents of Queen Sālote, and with numerous international advisors, the government of Tonga under King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV has monetized the economy, internationalized the medical and education system, and enabled access by commoners to increasing forms of material wealth (houses, cars, and other commodities), education, and overseas travel. The government has supported Olympic and other international sports competition, and contributed Peacekeepers to the United Nations (notably to Bougainville and the Solomon Islands). The Tongan government also supported the American 'coalition of the willing' action in Iraq, and a small number of Tongan soldiers were deployed, as part of an American force, to Iraq in late 2004. However, the contingent of 40+ troops returned home on 17 December 2004.^[4] In 2007, a second contingent was sent to Iraq while a third left Tonga in January 2008 to be part of Tonga's continuous support for the coalition. For other uses of Bougainville, see Bougainville. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with multinational force in Iraq. ...

The previous king, Tāufaʻāhau and his government have made some problematic economic decisions and are accused of wasting millions of dollars in poor investments.^[5] The problems have mostly been driven by attempts to increase national revenue through a variety of schemes, considering making Tonga a nuclear waste disposal site (an idea floated in the mid-90s by the current crown prince);^[6] selling Tongan Protected Persons Passports (which eventually forced Tonga to nationalize the purchasers, sparking ethnicity-based concerns within Tonga);^[7] registering foreign ships (which proved to be engaged in illegal activities, including shipments for al-Qaeda);^[8] claiming geo-orbital satellite slots (the revenue from which seems to belong to the Princess Royal, not the state);^[9] holding a long-term charter on an unusable Boeing 757 that was sidelined in Auckland Airport, leading to the collapse of Royal Tongan Airlines;^[10] building an airport hotel and potential casino with an Interpol-accused criminal;^{[citation needed]} and approving a factory for exporting cigarettes to China (against the advice of Tongan medical officials, and decades of health promotion messaging).^[11] The king has proved vulnerable to speculators with big promises and lost several million (reportedly 26 million USD) to Jesse Bogdonoff, a financial adviser who called himself the king's Court Jester.^[12] The police have imprisoned pro-democracy leaders, and the government repeatedly confiscated the newspaper The Tongan Times (which was printed in New Zealand and sold in Tonga) because the editor had been vocally critical of the king's mistakes.^[13] Notably, the Keleʻa, produced specifically to critique the government and printed in Tonga by pro-democracy leader ʻAkilisi Pōhiva, was not banned during that time. Pōhiva, however, had been subjected to harassment in the form of frequent lawsuits.^[14] Al-Qaeda (Arabic: القاعدة, the foundation or the base) is the name given to a worldwide network of militant Islamist organizations under the leadership of Osama bin Laden. ... The Boeing 757 is an American short to medium range commercial passenger aircraft manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. ... For other uses, see Auckland (disambiguation). ... Unlit filtered cigarettes. ... Jesse Bogdonoff made headlines in 2001 and 2002 after being accused of mismanaging millions of dollars from the nation of Tonga. ... For other uses of Jester, see Jester (disambiguation). ... Two legal concepts go by the name barratry: one in criminal and civil law, the other in admiralty law. ...

Royal palace of Tonga

In mid-2003, the government passed a radical constitutional amendment to "Tonganize" the press, by licensing and limiting freedom of the press, so as to protect the image of the monarchy. The amendment was defended by the government and by royalists on the basis of traditional cultural values. Licensure criteria include 80% ownership by Tongans living in the country. As of February 2004, those papers denied licenses under the new act included the Taimi ʻo Tonga (Tongan Times), the Keleʻa and the Matangi Tonga, while those which were permitted licenses were uniformly church-based or pro-government. The bill was opposed in the form of a several-thousand-strong protest march in the capital, a call by the Tuʻi Pelehake (a prince, nephew of the king and elected member of parliament) for Australia and other nations to pressure the Tongan government to democratize the electoral system, and a legal writ calling for a judicial investigation of the bill. The latter was supported by some 160 signatories, including seven of the nine elected "People's Representatives". The strong-arm tactics and gaffes have overshadowed the good that the aged king had done in his lifetime, as well as the many beneficial reforms of his son, ʻAhoʻeitu ʻUnuakiʻotonga Tukuʻaho (Lavaka Ata ʻUlukālala), who was Prime Minister from 3 January 2000 to 11 February 2006. The former Crown Prince and current monarch, Tupoutoʻa, and Pilolevu, the Princess Royal, remained generally silent on the issue. In total, the changes threatened to destabilize the polity, fraction support for the status quo, and place further pressure on the monarchy. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (800x611, 98 KB) Royal Palace of Tonga, in Nukualofa. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (800x611, 98 KB) Royal Palace of Tonga, in Nukualofa. ... Gates. ... is the 3rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... is the 42nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

In 2005 the government spent several weeks negotiating with striking civil service workers before reaching a settlement. The civil unrest that ensued was not limited to just Tonga; protests outside the king's New Zealand residence made headlines, too. A constitutional commission is currently (2005-06) studying proposals to update the constitution.^[15]

Prime Minister Prince ʻAhoʻeitu ʻUnuakiʻotonga Tukuʻaho (Lavaka Ata ʻUlukālala) resigned suddenly on 11 February 2006, and also gave up his other cabinet portfolios. He was replaced in the interim by the elected Minister of Labour, Dr Feleti Sevele. Prince Ahoeitu Unuakiotonga Tukuaho (born 12 July 1959), is the younger brother of King George Tupou V of Tonga and officially confirmed by the latter on 27 September 2006 as the Heir Presumptive to the Tongan throne. ... is the 42nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Feleti Sevele is the Acting Prime Minister of Tonga. ...

The co-chairman of the constitutional reform commission His Royal Highness ʻUluvalu (Prince Tuipelehake), 55, who was a nephew of the King, and his wife, Kaimana Aleamotuʻa, 45, were killed by an 18-year old female teenager driving a Ford Mustang as she was racing in a California freeway near Menlo Park about 30 miles south of San Francisco, California, on 5 July 2006. The teenager was reported to have been travelling around 100mph upon hitting the red Ford Explorer carrying the two and also instantly killing the driver of the Explorer. The teenager was not hurt in the accident. Sione Ê»Uluvalu NgÅ« TakeivÅ«lai TukuÊ»aho (7 October 1950 — 5 July 2006 (6 July in Tonga)) became the TuÊ»i Pelehake, an hereditary title in the kingdom of Tonga, after the death of his father in 1999. ... This article is about the automobile named after a horse, for other uses see mustang. ... This page is a candidate for speedy deletion. ... is the 186th day of the year (187th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The Tongan government formally announced on Monday, 11 September 2006 that King Tupou IV died late Sunday night in Mercy Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, where he had been receiving treatment for much of the past year. He was 88 and had reigned for 41 years.^[16] is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Auckland (disambiguation). ...

He was succeeded by his eldest son, Tupoutoʻa, now ruling under the title Siaosi Tupou V.

The public expected some changes under the new monarch. On November 16, 2006, rioting broke out in the capital city of Nuku'alofa when it seemed that the parliament would adjourn for the year without having made any advances in increasing democracy in government. Pro-democracy activists burned and looted shops, offices, and government buildings. As a result, more than 60% of the downtown area was destroyed, and as many as 6 people died. ^[17] The start of the major fires On November 16, 2006, rioting broke out in the Tongan capital of Nukuʻalofa. ...

The coronation of King George Tupou V is scheduled for July and will include three coronation balls, a military parade, traditional dancing, a fireworks display, a rugby match and an open-air concert. Tonga has started planning lavish celebrations for the coronation of its Oxford educated, Sandhurst trained king, George Tupou V, a flamboyant character who enjoys being driven around the islands in a London black cab. The University of Oxford (informally Oxford University), located in the city of Oxford, England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. ... New College, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst New Colours are presented to RMAS, June 2005. ... In the United Kingdom, a hackney carriage is a taxicab licensed by the Public Carriage Office in the London Metropolitan Area or by the local authority in other parts of the country. ...

The festivities in the ancient kingdom, the last remaining Polynesian monarchy, are scheduled for July and will include three coronation balls, a military parade, traditional dancing, a fireworks display, a rugby match and an open-air concert. London tailors have designed the king's ceremonial robes and the uniforms of court officials, and a gold sceptre has been cast for the occasion. Reportedly, it is similar to the Queen's. Polynesian is an adjectival form which refers variously to: Polynesian pie Polynesian sauce, a food condiment available at Chick-fil-A the aboriginal inhabitants of Polynesia, and their: Polynesian culture Polynesian mythology Polynesian languages Category: ...

About 1,400 guests, including members of most European and Asian royal families as well as world leaders, will attend the coronation and there are unconfirmed reports that Elton John, Mick Jagger, Elle Macpherson and Sean Connery are on the guest list. ^[18] A royal family is the extended family of a monarch. ... Sir Elton Hercules[1] John CBE[2] (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947) is a five-time Grammy and one-time Academy Award-winning English pop/rock singer, composer and pianist. ... Sir Michael Phillip Mick Jagger (born July 26, 1943) is a English rock musician, actor, songwriter, record and film producer and businessman. ... Elle Macpherson (born 29 March 1964) is an Australian businesswoman, supermodel and actress. ... Sir Thomas Sean Connery (born August 25, 1930) is an Academy Award-, Golden Globe-, and BAFTA Award-winning Scottish actor and producer who is perhaps best known as the first actor to portray James Bond in cinema, starring in seven Bond films. ...

The Rugby Match will have 15 players from Tonga and 15 International World players from England, Scotland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... This article is about the country. ...

Kings and queens of modern Tonga

1. King George Tupou I (1875-1893)
2. King George Tupou II (1893-1918)
3. Queen Salote Tupou III (1918-1965)
4. King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV (1965-2006)
5. King George Tupou V (2006-present)

King George Tupou I of Tonga George Tupou I (1797-1893 (known until 1875) as Siaosi Taufaahau Tupou Maeakafaua), was the king of Tonga from November 18, 1845 until February 18, 1893. ... George Tupou II (1874–1918) was the king of Tonga from February 18, 1893 to April 5, 1918. ... Sālote Tupou III (1900-16 December 1965) was Queen of Tonga from 1918 to 1965. ... Wikinews has news related to: King of Tonga dies, aged 88 Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV, King of Tonga (4 July 1918 – 10 September 2006), GCMG (1977); GCVO (1970); KBE (1958); son of Queen Sālote Tupou III and her consort Prince Viliami Tungī Mailefihi, was the king of Tonga... King George Tupou V (Tongan: Siaosi Tupou V, full name: Siaosi Tāufaʻāhau Manumataongo Tukuʻaho Tupou V), (born 4 May 1948) is the current King of Tonga. ...

Economy

A Tongan coin, see also: paʻanga

Main articles: Economy of Tonga and Prehistoric Tongan economy

Tonga's economy is characterized by a large non monetary sector and a heavy dependence on remittances from the half of the country's population that lives abroad, chiefly in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The monetary sector of the economy is dominated and largely owned by the royal family and nobles. This is particularly true of the telecommunications and satellite services. Much of small business, particularly retail establishments on Tongatapu, is now dominated by recent Chinese immigrants who arrived under a cash-for-passports scheme that ended in 1998. Image File history File links Coin_tonga. ... Image File history File links Coin_tonga. ... The paanga (or Tongan dollar) is the currency of the Kingdom of Tonga. ... Tongas economy is characterized by a large nonmonetary sector and a heavy dependence on remittances from the half of the countrys population that lives abroad, chiefly in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. ...

The manufacturing sector consists of handicrafts and a few other very small scale industries, all of which contribute only about 3% of GDP. Commercial business activities also are inconspicuous and, to a large extent, are dominated by the same large trading companies found throughout the South Pacific. In September 1974, the country's first commercial trading bank, the Bank of Tonga, opened. There are no Patent Laws in Tonga. [3] The use of the term has expanded, and is used to refer to any event which allows a large number of people to lalalawork part time. ...

Rural Tongans rely on plantation and subsistence agriculture. Coconuts, vanilla beans, bananas and root crops such as yams, taro and cassava, are the major cash crops. The processing of coconuts into copra and desiccated (dried) coconut was once the only significant industry but deteriorating prices on the world market has brought this once vibrant industry, as everywhere throughout the island nations of the south Pacific, to a complete standstill. Pigs and poultry are the major types of livestock. Horses are kept for draft purposes, primarily by farmers working their 'api 'uta (a plot of bushland). More cattle are being raised, and beef imports are declining. The export of squash to Japan once brought relief to a struggling economy but recently local farmers are increasingly wary of this market due to price fluctuations, not to mention the huge financial risks involved. This article is about crop plantations. ... Like most farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, this Cameroonian man cultivates at the subsistence level. ... For other uses, see Coconut (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see vanilla (disambiguation). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... In agriculture, a cash crop is a crop which is grown for money. ... Desiccation is the state of extreme dryness, or the process of extreme drying. ... Sheep are commonly bred as livestock. ...

Tonga's development plans emphasize a growing private sector, upgrading agricultural productivity, revitalizing the squash and vanilla bean industries, developing tourism, and improving the island's communications and transportation systems. Substantial progress has been made, but much work remains to be done. A small but growing construction sector is developing in response to the inflow of aid monies and remittances from Tongans abroad. It remains to be said that the most significant contributor to Tonga's economy are remittances from Tongans living abroad. In recognition of such a crucial contribution, the present Tongan government has created a new department within the Prime Minister's Office with the sole purpose of catering for the needs of Tongans living abroad. Furthermore, the Tongan Parliament in 2007 amended citizenship laws to allow Tongans especially those living overseas to hold dual citizenship.

Efforts are being made to discover ways to diversify. One hope is seen in fisheries; tests have shown that sufficient skipjack tuna pass through Tongan waters to support a fishing industry. Another potential development activity is exploitation of forests, which cover 35% of the kingdom's land area but are decreasing as land is cleared. Coconut trees past their prime bearing years also provide a potential source of timber. A fishery (plural: fisheries) is an organized effort by humans to catch fish or other aquatic species, an activity known as fishing. ... This article is about a community of trees. ... Timber in storage for later processing at a sawmill Timber is a term used to describe wood, either standing or that has been processed for use—from the time trees are felled, to its end product as a material suitable for industrial use—as structural material for construction or wood...

The tourist industry is relatively undeveloped; however, the government recognizes that tourism can play a major role in economic development, and efforts are being made to increase this source of revenue. Cruise ships often stop in Nukuʻalofa and Vavaʻu.

Vava'u in fact is well known for its whale watching, game fishing, surfing, beaches and the like and is increasingly becoming a major player in the South Pacific tourism market.

Real estate companies have also just started to spring up in Tonga; as such, they were basically unheard of less than a decade ago. These have provided a way of making income for many Tongans as nearly every male Tongan has plots of land that he has never seen and the leasing of this valuable and attractive land allows the Tongan to live in a comfort not experienced before. There are also many Tongans who work as commission agents and earn a living by finding available land parcels and bringing them to local ex-pats or computer savvy Tongans to list on-line. Some of these so-called real estate companies have done more harm than good and one would be wise to be careful when dealing with them, however for the most part acquiring real estate in Tonga is a simple, straight forward and hassle free process.^{[citation needed]}

In 2005 the country became eligible to become a member of the World Trade Organization, however on 25 July 2006 it was announced that Tonga has deferred its membership of the WTO until July next year according to the Tongan Prime Minister, Dr Feleti Sevele.-1... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

The delay he said did not mean that Tonga was withdrawing its WTO membership application, but to give Tonga more time to improve its tariff system.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Tonga

Almost two-thirds of the 112,422 inhabitants of the Kingdom of Tonga live on its main island, Tongatapu. Although an increasing number of Tongans have moved into the only urban and commercial centre, Nukuʻalofa, where European and indigenous cultural and living patterns have blended, village life and kinship ties continue to be important throughout the country. Everyday life is heavily influenced by Polynesian traditions and especially by the Christian faith; for example, all commerce and entertainment activities cease from midnight Saturday until midnight Sunday, and the constitution declares the Sabbath to be sacred, forever. The great majority of Tongans are Methodists ^[19] with a significant Catholic minority and a growing Mormon adherence. The official figures from the latest government census of 2006 shows that the four major church affiliations in the kingdom currently stand as follows: Free Wesleyans (38,052 or 37%); Mormons (17,109 or 17%); Catholics (15,992 or 16%); Free Church of Tonga (11,599 or 11%). By their own church statistics, Mormons claim 48 percent of the population to substantiate their claim that Tonga is the most Mormon nation in the world.^[20] Almost two-thirds of the population of the Kingdom of Tonga live on its main island, Tongatapu. ... The Catholic Church in Tonga is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and curia in Rome. ... For other uses, see The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (disambiguation). ...

Tongans, Polynesian by ethnicity with a very small mixture of Melanesian, represent more than 98% of the inhabitants. The rest are European, mixed European, and other Pacific Islanders. There also are several hundred Chinese. Polynesian is an adjectival form which refers variously to: Polynesian pie Polynesian sauce, a food condiment available at Chick-fil-A the aboriginal inhabitants of Polynesia, and their: Polynesian culture Polynesian mythology Polynesian languages Category: ... map of Melanesia Melanesia (from Greek: μέλας black, νῆσος island) is a subregion of Oceania extending from the western side of the West Pacific to the Arafura Sea, north and northeast of Australia. ... This article deals with the European people as an ethnic group or ethnic groups. ... A Pacific Islander or Pacific Person (plural: Pacific People) is a term used in several places, such as New Zealand and the United States, to describe people of a certain heritage In New Zealand, it is applied to a person who has emigrated from one of the smaller islands of...

Primary education between ages 6 and 14 is compulsory and free in state schools. Mission schools provide about 8% of the primary and 90% of the secondary level of education. State schools make up for the rest. Higher education includes teacher training, nursing and medical training, a small private university, a women's business college, and a number of private agricultural schools. Most higher education is pursued overseas.

The Tongan language is the official language of the islands, along with English. Tongan is an Austronesian language which is closely related to Wallisian (Uvean), Niuean and other Polynesian languages such as Hawaiian and Samoan. This article is about the Polynesian language of the kingdom of Tonga. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... The Austronesian languages are a family of languages widely dispersed throughout the islands of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, with a few members spoken on continental Asia. ... Uvean (Fakauvea in the vernacular) is the Polynesian language spoken on Uvea (also known Wallis Island), and it was therefore known as Wallisian in colonial times. ... The Polynesian languages are a language family spoken in the region known as Polynesia. ... The Hawaiian language is an Austronesian language that takes its name from Hawaiʻi, the largest island in the tropical North Pacific archipelago where it developed. ...

70% of Tongan women aged 15-85 are obese. Tonga and nearby Nauru have the world’s fattest populations [4].

Culture and Diaspora

Main article: Culture of Tonga

Kava culture

The Tongan archipelago has been inhabited for perhaps 3,000 years, since settlement in late Lapita times. The culture of its inhabitants has surely changed greatly over this long time period. Before the arrival of European explorers in the late 1600s and early 1700s, the Tongans were in frequent contact with their nearest Oceanic neighbors, Fiji and Samoa. In the 1800s, with the arrival of Western traders and missionaries, Tongan culture changed dramatically. Some old beliefs and habits were thrown away, and others adopted. Some accommodations made in the 1800s and early 1900s are now being challenged by changing Western civilization. The Tongan archipelago has been inhabited for perhaps 3000 years, since settlement in late Lapita times. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1290x730, 86 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Tonga Kava culture ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1290x730, 86 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Tonga Kava culture ... Kava culture refers to the cultures of western Oceania which consume kava, and the religious and cultural traditions associated with it. ... Lapita is the common name of an ancient Pacific Ocean culture which is believed by some to be the common ancestor of several cultures in Polynesia and surrounding areas. ... For other uses, see Culture (disambiguation). ...

Contemporary Tongans often have strong ties to overseas lands. Many Tongans have emigrated to Australia, New Zealand, and the United States to seek employment and a higher standard of living. U.S. cities with significant Tongan American populations include Portland, Oregon; Anchorage, Alaska; San Mateo, California; East Palo Alto, California; Oakland, California; Los Angeles, California; Salt Lake City, Utah; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Euless, Texas (in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex). Large Tongan communities can also be found in Auckland, New Zealand and in Sydney, Australia. This Tongan diaspora is still closely tied to relatives at home, and a significant portion of Tonga's income derives from remittances to family members (often aged) who prefer to remain in Tonga. Nickname: Location of Portland in Multnomah County and the state of Oregon Coordinates: , Country State Counties Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas Incorporated February 8, 1851 Government  - Type Commission  - Mayor Tom Potter[1]  - Commissioners Sam Adams Randy Leonard Dan Saltzman Erik Sten  - Auditor Gary Blackmer Area  - City 145. ... This article is about the city in the U.S. state of Alaska. ... San Mateo is a city in San Mateo County, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. ... East Palo Alto (often called EPA) is a city in San Mateo County, California, United States. ... Oakland redirects here. ... Los Angeles and L.A. redirect here. ... For ships of the United States Navy of the same name, see USS Salt Lake City. ... For the city and county of Honolulu, see City & County of Honolulu. ... Euless is a city in Tarrant County, Texas, United States. ... Auckland, in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest urban area in New Zealand. ... This is about the city of Sydney in Australia. ... For other uses, see Diaspora (disambiguation). ...

Tongans, therefore, often have to operate in two different contexts, which they often call anga fakatonga, the traditional Tongan way, and anga fakapãlangi, the Western way. A culturally adept Tongan learns both sets of rules and when to switch between them.

Sport

See also: Sport in Tonga

Rugby union is the national sport in Tonga, and the national team ('Ikale Tahi or Sea Eagles) has performed quite well on the international stage. Although the national team has not performed as well as neighboring Samoa and Fiji, Tonga has competed at four Rugby World Cups, the first being in 1987. The 2007 Rugby World Cup was its most successful to date, with Tonga winning both of its first two matches, against the USA 25-15 and Samoa 19-15; and came very close to upsetting the eventual winners of the 2007 tournament, the South African Springboks, losing 30-25 in the end. They then lost to England 36-20 in their last pool game to end their hopes of making the knockout stages but were by no means disgraced. In fact, by picking up third place in their pool games behind South Africa and England, Tonga has since been rewarded with automatic qualification for the 2011 Rugby World Cup to be held in New Zealand. The national sport of Tonga is rugby union. ... For other uses, see Rugby (disambiguation). ... First international  Tonga 9 - 6 Fiji  (15 August 1924) Largest win  Tonga 119 - 0 Korea  (22 March 2003) Worst defeat  New Zealand 102 - 0 Tonga  (16 June 2000) World Cup Appearances 4 (First in 1987) Best result First round, third in pool 1995 & 2007 The Tonga national rugby union team... For the rugby league competition, see Rugby League World Cup. ... The first Rugby World Cup took place in New Zealand and Australia in 1987, and was won by New Zealand. ... The 2007 Rugby World Cup is the sixth Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international rugby union world championship inaugurated in 1987. ...

Its best result prior to 2007 was in 1995 when they won one game beating Ivory Coast 29-11, and 1999 when they won one game beating Italy 28-25 (although with only 14 men they lost heavily to England in 1999, 10-101). Tonga performs the 'Sipi Tau' (war dance) before its matches. Tonga used to compete in the Pacific Tri-Nations against Samoa and Fiji which has now been replaced by the IRB Pacific 6 Nations involving as well Japan, the second string All Blacks (Junior All Blacks) and Wallabies (Australia A) although from 2008 the Junior All Blacks would be replaced by the Maori All Blacks. At club level, there are the Datec Cup Provincial Championship and the Pacific Rugby Cup. Rugby union is governed by the Tonga Rugby Football Union, which is also a member of the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance. Tonga contributes to the Pacific Islanders rugby union team. Jonah Lomu, Viliami (William) 'Ofahengaue and George Smith are all of Tongan descent. Rugby is popular in the nation's schools and students from schools such as Tupou College are regularly offered scholarships from New Zealand, Australia and Japan. It should be added, however, that many players of Tongan descent also make it big in the Australian National Rugby League competition. These include Willy Mason, Brent Kite, Willie Tonga, Anthony Tupou, Antonio Kaufusi, Israel Folau, to name but a few. The 1995 Rugby World Cup was the third Rugby World Cup. ... The 1999 Rugby World Cup, the first to be held in rugby unions professional era,[2] was hosted by Wales, with some matches also played in England, France, Scotland and Ireland. ... Tonga College students performing a kailao for the kings 70th birthday (1988) The Kailao is a Tongan war dance imported to Tonga from nearby Uvea, also known as Wallis Island. ... Pacific Tri-Nations - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... The Pacific Nations Cup is an international rugby union competition originally known as the IRB Pacific 5 Nations and held between five Pacific rim sides; Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga and the Junior All Blacks (New Zealands second XV). ... First international Australia 3 - 22 New Zealand (15 August 1903) Largest win New Zealand 145 - 17 Japan (4 June 1995) Worst defeat Australia 28 - 7 New Zealand (28 August 1999) World Cup Appearances 6 (First in 1987) Best result Champions, 1987 All Black redirects here. ... For the Australian national Rugby Union team, nicknamed the Wallabies, see Australia national rugby union team. ... The Datec Cup Provincial Championship is the second highest level of rugby union competition within Tongan rugby and is a stepping stone for local players into international rugby union. ... The IRB Pacific Rugby Cup started in 2006 and involves representative teams from the three Pacific rugby unions - Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. ... The Tonga national rugby union team are nicknamed Ikale Tahi (Sea Eagles). ... The Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance (PIRA) was set up in 2002 as a basis of co-operation between the Fiji, Samoa and Tonga Rugby Unions. ... First match Queensland Reds 29 - 48 Pacific Islanders (20 June 2004) Largest win NSW Waratahs 21 - 68 Pacific Islanders (25 June 2004) Worst defeat Ireland 61 - 17 Pacific Islanders (26 November 2006) The Pacific Islanders rugby union team (usually known as just Pacific Islanders) are an international rugby union team... Jonah Tali Lomu, MNZM (born May 12, 1975) is a New Zealand rugby union footballer who has played 73 times (63 caps) as an All Black after debuting in 1994. ... Viliami (William) Ofahengaue was born May 3, 1968 in Tonga. ... George Smith (born 14 July 1980 in Manly, NSW) is an Australian rugby union player. ... Tupou College is a Methodist boys secondary boarding school in Toloa on the island of Tongatapu, Tonga. ... NRL redirects here. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

Tongan Boxer Paea Wolfgram won the silver medal in the Super Heavyweight division (> 91kg) at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. To date, he remains the only Pacific islander to ever win a medal at the Olympics. For other meanings of these words, see boxing (disambiguation) or boxer. ... Paea Wolfgramm (born December 1, 1971 in Vavau) was a Tongan boxer. ... The Summer Olympic Games are an international multi-sport event held every four years, organised by the International Olympic Committee. ...

Tongan women are known for being skillful jugglers [5].

Recent Developments

In July 2006, two members of the Tongan Royal Family, Prince Tu'ipelehake and his wife, were killed along with their driver in San Francisco, when their car was hit by a driver participating in a street race. The driver was convicted of three counts of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in June and sentenced on August 24 2007, to two years in county jail for her participation in the deaths of the prince, princess, and their driver.^[21] is the 236th day of the year (237th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Miscellany

• On either his 1773 or 1777 visit, Captain Cook presented a tortoise to the king. This tortoise, known thereafter as Tuʻi Malila, lived to be either 188 or 192 years old. It was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest animal (kingdom Animalia) on record.
• The late king of Tonga (Tupou IV) had for some time been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest monarch in the world.
• Tonga is famous as the location where Fletcher Christian forced William Bligh into an open boat during the mutiny on HMS Bounty (1789). Bligh briefly went ashore at Tofua, which was then heavily populated, in search of water. The Tongans fought Bligh and killed a member of his crew, forcing Bligh back out into the open ocean. Bligh and his small crew eventually made their way to the Dutch East Indies, setting a record for the longest voyage in an open boat (3618 nautical miles / 6701 km).
• In 1972, the military of Tonga took over the territory of the micronation Republic of Minerva, which had created an artificial island on the Minerva reefs. Tonga's claim has since been disputed by neighboring Fiji, as well as by a group claiming to be the "government in exile" of the Principality of Minerva.
• In Wil McCarthy's The Queendom of Sol, a series of science fiction novels, the Queen of Sol is said to be a descendant of the Tongan royal family.
• The Walt Disney film The Other Side of Heaven, is based on the real life story of a young (Mormon) missionary in Tonga, though the film was shot on location in the Cook Islands.
• Tonga has more PhDs per capita than any other country ^[22].
• The members of the R&B/dance group The Jets, which scored a number of US hits in the 1980s, are originally from Tonga although most of the group were born in the US. They are all children of Maikeli and Vake Wolfgramm, both of whom migrated to the United States in the early 1960's.
• Fictional Summer Heights High character Jonah Takalua is from Tonga, created by Australian comedian Chris Lilley.
• Craig Ferguson commented on The Late Late Show about Tonga's Independence day instead of the end of the Democratic Primary results.^[23]

British explorer James Cook is most noted for having discovered Australia and Hawaii. ... For other uses, see Tortoise (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Tortoise (disambiguation). ... Tui Malila, pictured here during the Royal Tour (1953) Tui Malila was the name of a tortoise given to the royal family of Tonga by captain James Cook. ... The Guinness Book of Records (or in recent editions Guinness World Records, and in previous US editions Guinness Book of World Records) is a book published annually, containing an internationally recognized collection of superlatives: both in terms of human achievement and the extrema of the natural world. ... For other uses, see Animal (disambiguation). ... Fletcher Christian, an artists impression Fletcher Christian (September 25, 1764 – October 3, 1793) was a Masters Mate on board the Bounty during William Blighs fateful voyage to Tahiti for breadfruit plants (see Mutiny on the Bounty). ... 1814 portrait of William Bligh Vice-Admiral William Bligh FRS RN (9 September 1754 – 7 December 1817) was an officer of the British Royal Navy and colonial administrator. ... for other meaning see Mutiny on the Bounty (disambiguation) The mutineers turning Lt Bligh and some of the officers and crew adrift from HMAV Bounty, 29 April 1789 The Mutiny on the Bounty was a historical event in the late 18th century, most widely known through fiction, of an officer... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about entities that are not officially recognised by world governments or major international organisations. ... The Republic of Minerva was one of the few modern attempts at creating a sovereign micronation on the reclaimed land of an artificial island. ... The Republic of Minerva was one of the few modern attempts at creating a sovereign micronation on the reclaimed land of an artificial island. ... Wil McCarthy (born September 16, 1966, Princeton, New Jersey) is a science fiction novelist, Chief Technology Officer for Galileo Shipyards (an aerospace research corporation), and the science columnist for the Sci Fi Channel (United States) (example below). ... The Queendom of Sol is a science fiction book series by Wil McCarthy. ... Science fiction is a form of speculative fiction principally dealing with the impact of imagined science and technology, or both, upon society and persons as individuals. ... For the company founded by Disney, see The Walt Disney Company. ... The Other Side of Heaven is a 2001 Walt Disney film. ... The Jets are a Tongan family band from Minneapolis, Minnesota comprising 17 siblings, who specialize in pop, r&b and dance music. ... Summer Heights High is an Australian television mockumentary series created and performed by comedian Chris Lilley. ... Chris Lilley Chris Lilley is an Australian comedian from Sydney. ... Craig Ferguson (born May 17, 1962) is a Scottish-American comedian, television host, actor, and writer. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article contains lists of current and former candidates associated with the 2008 Democratic Party Primaries for the 2008 United States Presidential Election. ...

See also

The 2006 Tonga earthquake occurred on 4 May 2006 at 4:26 local time ( May 3, 2006 at 15:26 UTC). ... The start of the major fires On November 16, 2006, rioting broke out in the Tongan capital of Nukuʻalofa. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require rewriting and/or reformatting. ... Telephones - main lines in use: 7,000 (1995) Telephones - mobile cellular: 114 (1995) Telephone system: domestic: NA international: satellite earth station - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1 (2005), FM 5 (2005), shortwave 1 (1998) Radios: 61,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 4 (2005) Televisions: 2,000 (1997... The Tongan archipelago has been inhabited for perhaps 3000 years, since settlement in late Lapita times. ... Tonga, by a further modification of its treaty of friendship with the United Kingdom in July 1970, is responsible for its own external affairs. ... Kava culture refers to the cultures of western Oceania which consume kava, and the religious and cultural traditions associated with it. ... The music of Tonga is the music, both indigenous and foreign-influenced, of the island kingdom of Tonga, comprising the Tongan archipelago and a few outlying islands. ... Tonga is one of 35 countries where Scouting exists (be it embryonic or widespread) but where there is no National Scout Organization which is yet a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. ... The Tonga Defence Services (TDS) is the 450-person armed force of Tonga. ... In the beginning there was just the sea, and the spirit world, Pulotu; and between them was a rock called Touiao Futuna. ... Please wikify (format) this article as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 680 km paved: 184 km unpaved: 496 km (1996 est. ... The Tuʻi Tonga Empire or Tongan Empire was a powerful Oceanian empire. ... Children dressed in their best for a church festival. ... For the William Mariner who won the Victoria Cross in the First World War, see William Mariner (Victoria Cross winner) William Mariner was an Englishman who lived in the Tonga Islands from 1807 to 1811. ...

References

is the 106th day of the year (107th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini/Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... This article concerns the British newspaper. ... is the 80th day of the year (81st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 230th day of the year (231st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 212th day of the year (213th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... Current TVNZ logo Television New Zealand (TVNZ) is the main broadcaster of television in New Zealand, established in 1980 through the merger of Television One and TV2 (formerly South Pacific Television). ... is the 242nd day of the year (243rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini/Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

Find more about Tonga on Wikipedia's sister projects:
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• CIA World Factbook: Tonga
• Matangi Tonga - National magazine
• Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Ministry of Finance, Kingdom of Tonga
• Ministry of Lands, Survey and Natural Resources, Kingdom of Tonga
• National Reserve Bank of Tonga, Kingdom of Tonga
• Official Tongan Government Portal
• Open Directory Project - Tonga Open Directory
• Tonga Legislation
• Tonga Coronation of King George Tupou V

Geographic locale
v • d • e Polynesia Polynesian triangle Austral Islands · Cook Islands · Easter Island · Gambier Islands · Hawaiian Islands · Loyalty Islands · Marquesas · New Zealand · Pitcairn Islands · Sala y Gómez · Samoan Islands · Society Islands · Tokelau · Tonga · Tuamotus · Tuvalu · Wallis and Futuna Islands Polynesian outliers and peripheral cultures Anuta · Emae · Futuna · Kapingamarangi · Mele · Nuguria · Nukumanu · Nukuoro · Ontong Java · Ouvéa · Pileni · Rennell · Rotuma · Sikaiana · Takuu · Tikopia v • d • e Countries and territories of Oceania  Australasia Australia · Christmas Island · Cocos (Keeling) Islands · New Zealand1 · Norfolk Island   Melanesia East Timor2 · Fiji · Maluku Islands (Indonesia)2 · New Caledonia · Papua New Guinea3 · Solomon Islands · Vanuatu  Micronesia Federated States of Micronesia · Guam · Kiribati · Marshall Islands · Nauru · Northern Mariana Islands · Palau   Polynesia American Samoa · Cook Islands · Easter Island · French Polynesia · Juan Fernández Islands · Niue · Pitcairn · Samoa · Tokelau · Tonga · Tuvalu · Wallis and Futuna 1Often included in Polynesia. 2Often included in Southeast Asia. 3Often included in Australasia.

International membership
v • d • e Commonwealth of Nations Sovereign states Antigua and Barbuda · Australia · Bahamas · Bangladesh · Barbados · Belize · Botswana · Brunei · Cameroon · Canada · Cyprus · Dominica · Fiji · The Gambia · Ghana · Grenada · Guyana · India · Jamaica · Kenya · Kiribati · Lesotho · Malawi · Malaysia · Maldives · Malta · Mauritius · Mozambique · Namibia · Nauru · New Zealand · Nigeria · Pakistan · Papua New Guinea · St. Kitts and Nevis · St. Lucia · St. Vincent and the Grenadines · Samoa · Seychelles · Sierra Leone · Singapore · Solomon Islands · South Africa · Sri Lanka · Swaziland · Tanzania · Tonga · Trinidad and Tobago · Tuvalu · Uganda · United Kingdom · Vanuatu · Zambia Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Image File history File links Wikibooks-logo. ... Image File history File links Wikiquote-logo. ... Image File history File links Wikisource-logo. ... Image File history File links Commons-logo. ... Image File history File links WikiNews-Logo. ... Image File history File links Wikiversity-logo-Snorky. ... Carving from the ridgepole of a Māori house, ca 1840 Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a large grouping of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. ... The Polynesian Triangle is a geographical region of the Pacific Ocean anchored by Hawaii, Rapa Nui and New Zealand. ... The Austral Islands are the southernmost group of islands in French Polynesia, sometimes also called the Tubuai Islands, after one of the main islands. ... Rapa Nui redirects here. ... The Gambier Islands (French: ÃŽles Gambier or Archipel des Gambier) are a small group of islands in French Polynesia, located at the southeast terminus of the Tuamotu archipelago. ... Map of the Hawaiian Islands, a chain of islands that stretches 1,500 mi (2,400 km) in a northwesterly direction from the southern tip of the Island of Hawaii. ... The Loyalty Islands. ... National motto: Mau‘u‘u ha‘e iti Official languages French, Tahitian Political status Dependent territory, administrative division of French Polynesia Capital Tai o Hae Largest City Tai o Hae Area 1,274 km² ( 492 sq. ... Isla Sala y Gómez (Rapa Nui: Motu Motiro Hiva) is a small uninhabited island lying in the eastern Pacific at 26°27′ S 105°28′ W. It is part of Chiles Easter Island province. ... Samoa Islands may refer to: Samoa, a country in the South Pacific American Samoa, a U.S. territory, also in the South Pacific This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Map of Society Islands One of the islands. ... A Satellite photo of the Acteon Group, 4 atolls in the southeastern Tuamotus. ... Motto: n/a Anthem: La Marseillaise Capital (and largest city) Mata-Utu Official languages French Uvean, Futunan Government Overseas territory of France  -  President of France Nicolas Sarkozy  -  Administrateur supérieur Richard Didier  -  President of the Territorial Assembly Pesamino Taputai  -  Kings (traditionally three) King of Uvea (none at present) Soane Patita... Polynesian outliers are a number of Polynesian islands which lie in Melanesia and Micronesia. ... Anuta is a small high island in the southeastern part of the Solomon Islands province of Temotu. ... Emae (coordinates ) is an island in the Shepherds Islands, Shefa, Vanuatu. ... Futuna is an island in the Tafea province of Vanuatu. ... Kapingamarangi is an atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia. ... Mele Island also known as Hideaway Island is a Polynesian outlier and islet in Vanuatu. ... Nuguria or the Nuguria Islands are a Polynesian outlier and islands of Papua New Guinea. ... The Nukumanu Islands, part of Papua New Guinea are located in the path of the Polynesian migration to Oceania some 5,000 years ago, the Nukumanu Islands were settled by the Polynesians and retained their Polynesian character as part of the Melanesian Archipelago of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon... Nukuoro is an atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia. ... Ontong Java Atoll is the northernmost tract of land in the Solomon Islands and an outlying part of the province of Malaita. ... Ouvéa from space, November 1990 Ouvea may refer to: Ouvéa, an island in the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia. ... Pileni is a culturally important island in the Reef Islands, in the northern part of the Solomon Islands province of Temotu. ... Rennell and Bellona Province is one of the provinces of the Solomon Islands. ... Rotuma is a Fijian Dependency, consisting of the island of Rotuma and the nearby islets of Hatana, Hofliua, Solkope, Solnohu and Uea. ... Sikaiana formerly called Stewart Islands is a small atoll 212 km NE of Malaita. ... A village scene on Takuu Takuu (also Tauu or Mortlock Islands) is a small, isolated atoll off the east coast of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. ... Tikopia is the southernmost of the Santa Cruz Islands, located in the province of Temotu. ... This is an alphabetical list of Oceanian countries and dependencies. ... For other uses, see Oceania (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1096x744, 47 KB)Australasia ecozone re-drawn from French wiki by MPF Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1. ... Australasia Australasia is a term variably used to describe a region of Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean. ... Copyright 2004 Affordable Solutions Pty Ltd Aust. ... map of Melanesia Melanesia (from Greek: μέλας black, νῆσος island) is a subregion of Oceania extending from the western side of the West Pacific to the Arafura Sea, north and northeast of Australia. ... Maluku redirects here. ... Image File history File links Micronesia. ... Image File history File links Polynesia. ... Carving from the ridgepole of a Māori house, ca 1840 Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a large grouping of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. ... Rapa Nui redirects here. ... The town of San Juan Bautista in Cumberland Bay, Robinson Crusoe Island The Juan Fernández Islands is a sparsely inhabited island group reliant on tourism in the South Pacific Ocean, situated about 667 km off the coast of Chile, and is composed of several volcanic islands: Robinson Crusoe, ( ) (also... Location of Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is a subregion of Asia. ... The Commonwealth of Nations as of 2008. ... Sovereignty is the exclusive right to have control over an area of governance, people, or oneself. ... [--168. ... Dependencies Australia Ashmore and Cartier Islands · Australian Antarctic Territory · Christmas Island · Cocos (Keeling) Islands · Coral Sea Islands · Heard Island and McDonald Islands · Norfolk Island Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Nations. ... World map of dependent territories. ... The Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT) is the part of Antarctica claimed by Australia. ... New Zealand Cook Islands · Niue · Ross Dependency · Tokelau Political status Dependency of New Zealand Governor Anand Satyanand Area   – Total  450 000 km² (174 000 mi²) Population Scott Base: 10-80 seasonally McMurdo Station: 200-1000 seasonally Currency New Zealand dollar The Ross Dependency comprises an area of Antarctica (and other land masses in the Southern Ocean) claimed by... United Kingdom Akrotiri and Dhekelia · Anguilla · Bermuda · British Antarctic Territory · British Indian Ocean Territory · British Virgin Islands · Cayman Islands · Falkland Islands · Gibraltar · Guernsey · Isle of Man · Jersey · Montserrat · Pitcairn Islands · St. Helena (including Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha) · South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands · Turks and Caicos Islands Anthem God Save the Queen Akrotiri and Dhekelia (Occupied Areas) Sovereign Base Areas indicated in pink. ... Motto: Research and Discovery Anthem: God Save the Queen Status British overseas territory Official language(s) - Commissioner Tony Crombie Administrator Michael Richardson Area 1,395,000 km² Population c. ... Anthem: God Save the Queen Capital Georgetown Largest city Georgetown Official languages English Government Dependency of St. ... Motto Our faith is our strength Anthem God Save the Queen Capital (and largest city) Edinburgh of the Seven Seas Official languages English Government Dependency of St. ... Motto Leo Terram Propriam Protegat(Latin) Let the Lion protect his own land or May the Lion protect his own land Anthem God Save the Queen Capital Grytviken (King Edward Point) Official languages English Government British overseas territory  -  Head of State Queen Elizabeth II  -  Commissioner Alan Huckle Area  -  Total 3... v • d • e Monarchies Absolute monarchies Brunei · Saudi Arabia · Swaziland · Vatican Constitutional monarchies Antigua and Barbudac · Australiac · Andorra · Bahamasc · Bahrain · Barbadosc · Belizec · Belgium · Bhutan · Cambodia · Canadac · Denmark · Grenadac · Jamaicac · Japanj · Jordan · Kuwait · Liechtenstein · Lesotho · Luxembourg · Malaysia · Monaco · Morocco · Netherlands · New Zealandc · Norway · Omanm · Papua New Guineac · Qatarm · Spain · Saint Kitts and Nevisc · Saint Luciac · Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesc · Solomon Islandsc · Sweden · Thailand · Tonga · Tuvaluc · United Arab Emiratesu · United Kingdomc Elective monarchies Andorra · Cambodia · Kuwait · Malaysia · Swaziland · United Arab Emiratesu · Vatican Subnational monarchies Alo (Wallis and Futuna) · Ankole (Uganda) · Ashanti (Ghana) · Buganda (Uganda) · Bunyoro (Uganda) · Busoga (Uganda) · Dagbon (Ghana) · Māori (New Zealand) · Sigave (Wallis and Futuna) · Tibet (People's Republic of China) · Toro (Uganda) · Uvea (Wallis and Futuna) · Yogyakarta (Indonesia) · Zululand (South Africa) (c) All 16 Commonwealth realms share one monarch represented, except for the U.K., by a Governor-General  · (j) Monarch debatable as being true Head of State. · (m) Technically a constitutional monarchy but displays effective properties of an absolute monarchy. (u) Uses the non-monarchical title President. v • d • e Austronesian-speaking countries and territories Formosan Taiwan Malayo-Polynesian American Samoa • Brunei • Burma • Cambodia • Christmas Island • Cocos (Keeling) Islands • Cook Islands • Easter Island • East Timor • Fiji • French Polynesia • Guam • Hainan • Hawaii • Indonesia • Kiribati • Madagascar • Malaysia • Marshall Islands • FS Micronesia • Nauru • New Caledonia • New Zealand • Niue • Northern Mariana Islands • Orchid Island • Palau • Papua New Guinea • Patani • Philippines • Samoa • Singapore • Solomon Islands • Suriname • Tokelau • Tonga • Tuvalu • Vanuatu • Vietnam • Wallis and Futuna