Tonga

1616 (July 2, Sunday): Dutch explorer Willem Schouten discovers the islands of Tonga

1845 (January 4, Saturday): The Kingdom of Tonga formally established under King George I

1875 (November 4, Thursday): Constitution of Tonga is adopted, establishing a constitutional monarchy

1899 (November 10, Wednesday): Tonga signs a treaty of friendship with the United Kingdom

1965 (October 25, Monday): Tonga becomes a member of the United Nations

1970 (June 4, Thursday): Tonga gains full independence from the United Kingdom

2006 (November 16, Thursday): Pro-democracy riots in Nuku’alofa after widespread unrest

2010 (August 16, Monday): First general elections under the new democratic constitution

2015 (March 19, Thursday): Cyclone Pam strikes Tonga, causing extensive damage and flooding

2017 (January 15, Sunday): Tonga experiences a major eruption from Hunga Tonga, a submarine volcano

2022 (January 15, Saturday): The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption causes a massive tsunami, affecting Tongan islands

2024 (February 10, Saturday): Tropical cyclone causes flooding and landslides on Tongatapu and Vavaʻu

Continent: Oceania
Location: South Pacific Ocean
Capital: Nuku’alofa
Language: Tongan, English
Currency: Tongan paʻanga (TOP)
Population: ~106,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Tonga Standard Time (TST)

Borders: None (Island nation)
Landscape: Archipelago consisting of 169 islands, volcanic and coral islands, with rugged terrain and coastal plains
Major Rivers: None
Major Mountains: Mount Talau (highest point)
Deserts: None
Lakes: None
Volcanoes: Hunga Tonga (active)
Highest Point: Mount Talau (1,031 m / 3,383 ft)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (0 m / 0 ft)
Climate: Tropical, with a wet season (November to April) and a dry season (May to October)
Geological Features: Volcanic island chain, with significant underwater volcanic activity around the kingdom

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Tongan, with small groups of European, Chinese, and other Pacific Islanders
Religion: Predominantly Christian (about 98%, mostly Free Wesleyan Church)
Urban Population: ~37% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~6% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Polynesian culture, traditional music, dance (hula and tauʻolunga), and tapa cloth
Cuisine: Root crops (yam, taro), coconut, fish, and tropical fruits
Arts: Traditional Tongan wood carvings, weaving, and tapa cloth making
Sports: Rugby, netball, and sailing

Economy Type: Small, developing economy
GDP: Approx. $500 million USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture, fishing, tourism, remittances
Key Exports: Fish (tuna), agricultural products (yams, coconut products), handicrafts
Unemployment Rate: ~2.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Main islands of Tongatapu and Vavaʻu dominate the economy, with agricultural activity on outer islands

Government Type: Constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Tupou VI (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral Parliament of Tonga
Constitution: In effect since 1875, with amendments

Nuku’alofa: The capital, known for the Royal Palace and the Free Wesleyan Church
Haʻapai Islands: Known for pristine beaches, coral reefs, and friendly local culture
Vavaʻu Islands: Popular for sailing, whale watching, and untouched beaches
Tongatapu: The main island, with historical and cultural sites such as the Ha’amonga ʻa Maui Trilithon
Eua: A national park with rugged terrain, ideal for hiking and eco-tourism