The Kingdom of Tonga comprises more than 170 islands, 36 of which
are inhabited. There are a mixture of coralline outcrops and higher volcanic outcrops.
The largest island, Tongatapu, contains nearly two-thirds of the population.
Dutch navigators visited the islands in the early 17th century, and British missionaries
converted most people to Christianity in the early 19th century. Tonga became
a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga is a monarch and the king rules with a prime
minister and cabinet. From 1965, the ruler has been King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV,
whose line goes back a thousand years. He presided over the islands' transition
from British protectorate to independent Commonwealth country in 1970. Tonga became
a member of the United Nations in 1999.
Most Tongans live off their own produce, which includes fish, tapioca and yams.
While the government owns all the land, men are entitle to rent areas to grow
food - a policy that is now under pressure with Tonga's young population. The
main exports include squash, fish and vanilla beans.
There's so much more to learn... Check out our Facts For The Visitor or read up on our reviews of everything about Tonga:
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