Tonga

Tonga, the "Friendly Islands", is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.

Tonga Holiday -- Official Tourist Board Web site

==Regions==

Map of Tonga

Tonga is divided into three island groups, or regions.

Tongatapu -- home of the capital, Nuku'alofa
Ha'apai -- the least populated group
Vava'u -- and Neiafu a popular yachting destination

Cities

Nuku'alofa

Understand

History

The archipelago of "The Friendly Islands" was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.

People

Climate

Holidays

Get in

You either come in by airplane or yacht.

By plane

Air New Zealand flies from Auckland and Los Angeles. You can also arrive from Fiji.

By boat

Lots of people arrive by private yacht since Tonga is a common stop on the around the world circuit.

Get around

To get between island groups, you basically have to fly (or yacht). The one national airline is owned by one of the princes and is called Air Peau. As of late 2004, they flew a 60 year-old DC-3 which was quite an experience.

Talk

English is widely spoken as is Tongan.

Buy

The national currency is the Pa'anga, or Tongan dollar.

Eat

Tongan feasts are a must do.

Drink

Beer and liquor is available from many outlets, but you have to try Kava (something like liquid novacaine) at least once.

Respect

Not really an issue in tourist areas, but for maximum respect, keep your knees covered. (Both men and women.) This is a very Christian, conservative country.