THE KINGDOM OF TONGA is an independent nation in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of more than 170 islands, including a new island created in late 2014 and early 2015 via volcanic action. Some 45 Tongan islands are inhabited. A few more than 100,000 Tongans live in Tonga. At least that many more live overseas, mostly in New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
Tonga’s had a new sovereign since 2012, His Majesty King Tupou VI, whose full name is ʻAhoʻeitu ʻUnuakiʻotonga Tukuʻaho Tupou. His coronation took place 4 July 2015 in Tonga’s capital, Nuku‘alofa.
H.M. Tupou VI, King of Tonga
Official languages are Tongan and English. Tonga’s population is Polynesian. Currency is the pa‘anga and is currently (April 2016) worth about 45 U.S. cents.
Flag of Tonga
Tonga is located east of Australia and northeast of New Zealand, about a third of the way to Hawai‘i.
Map of Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean
For more information about the Kingdom of Tonga, click on the photo of His Majesty, the Tongan flag or the map; or visit the country’s official website at TheKingdomOfTonga.com.