Geography

Physical geography

Tonga is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, 3,000 kilometres north-east of Sydney. The archipelago is divided into two parallel belts: low-lying, coral limestone formations in the east, and higher volcanic islands in the west. Tonga’s 169 islands cover a total land area of 720 square kilometres; stretch 800 kilometres from north to south; and can be classified into three main groups: Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u. The highest point is the volcanic Mount Kao, 1,030 metres, in the central Ha’apai group.

Climate

Tonga has a warm, tropical climate with two main seasons. From November to April the weather is warm and wet, and from May to October temperatures are cooler and it is fairly dry. The average annual temperatures vary from 27°C in the north to 23°C in the south. Rainfall totals range from 1,750 millimetres on the main island of Tongatapu to 2,750 millimetres on Vava'u.

Environment

Tonga is home to some unique fauna and flora. Animals include two species of iguana and several colonies of flying fox that enjoy sacred status. The malau is an incubator bird that lays its eggs in warm, volcanic soil to hatch. More than 100 species of tropical fish live in the reefs around the islands, where beautiful hard and soft corals and black coral grow in abundance. The migrating Antarctic humpback whales come to the warm, protected Tongan waters to give birth and to mate between June and November.

As land is cleared for crops to feed the growing population and provide export earnings, deforestation has become a concern. Large areas of rainforest and bushland remain on the Niua and 'Eua islands and many of the steep, volcanic islands.

Population

Tonga’s population lives on 36 of the 169 islands. The main towns are the capital, Nuku’alofa, Mu’a on the island of Tongatapu; and Neiafu on the island of Vava’u. Education and work have attracted almost as many Tongans to live overseas as live in Tonga.

People

Culture and identity

Tonga has a complex social structure broken into three tiers: the king, the nobles, and the commoners. Each group has obligations and responsibilities to the other groups. Status and rank play a powerful role in personal and political relationships, even within families.

The extended family is the basic social unit on Tonga, and wealth, food and goods are shared among all members. The traditional economy was based on subsistence farming and many Tongans retain some aspects of the traditional lifestyle.
 
Dance in Tonga has traditionally been an important art form. This visual form reflects oral histories and folk tales honouring gods, chiefs, places and people. Handcrafts include beautiful baskets and mats woven from pandanus leaves.

Health

Tonga has one of the highest living standards in the Pacific region. Life expectancy is 76 years (74 for males and 77 for females). There is good access to healthcare with either a hospital or a health centre on each of the main islands. Control of communicable diseases has improved and the immunisation program is reducing vaccine preventable diseases. However, non-communicable diseases have increased and are now a major health challenge for Tonga, putting significant strain on the health system.

Religion and beliefs

Christian missionaries arrived in the mid-1800s and the faith quickly spread. The constitution declares Sunday to be sacred forever and this is strictly observed. There are no shops open, no flights in or out of the country, and no dockings of large vessels or sport on Sundays.

Food and shelter

Tongan food consists mostly of coconut products, fresh fruit, pork, chicken, corned beef, fish, shellfish and root vegetables such as tapioca, taro and sweet potato. The traditional Tongan feast is cooked in an umu, an underground oven that is common throughout Polynesia. Kava, a mild intoxicant made from the roots of a plant in the pepper family, is widely used in ceremonial and social situations.

Homes in Tonga vary from the traditional coconut-leaf and timber ones in the villages, to the frame or cement-block ones in towns. Many modern homes are built to be cyclone-resistant.

Economy

Wealth and poverty

As Tonga becomes more connected to the world, the traditional patterns of social security are challenged. Landlessness and unemployment are major problems, especially among young people. A substantial part of the country’s income is from foreign aid; and remittances, money sent home by Tongans employed overseas. About a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line.

Education and work

Primary education between ages 6 and 13 is compulsory. As a result literacy rates are high at 99% for both males and females. Agriculture is the leading productive sector while the manufacturing sector is very small.

Industries and products

Agriculture, fisheries, construction and tourism are key industries. The larger islands are fertile and produce crops for local consumption and export.

Trade

Tonga’s geographic isolation and limited resource base restricts its ability to expand its trade prospects. Tonga exports squash, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee, ginger, black pepper and fish to South Korea (18%), US (17%), New Zealand (16%) and Fiji (10%). Tonga imports foodstuffs, machinery, transport equipment, fuels and chemicals, mainly from Fiji (36%), New Zealand (24%),and US (10%).

Government

Tonga is a constitutional monarchy. King Tupou VI succeeded to the throne after the death of his brother, King George Tupou V in March 2012. In 2009, a new constitution reduced the power of the monarch, although the King still retains the ability to veto any legislation.

The Legislative Assembly is made up of 17 People's Representatives (PRs), 9 Noble Representatives elected from among the holders of Tonga's 33 noble titles, and up to 4 other members appointed by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly. The first democratic elections were held in November 2010. The current Prime Minister is Lord Tu'ivakano.

Achievements and challenges

Cyclones are common from October to April and the island of Fonuafo’ou experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity. In September 2009 the islands of Niuatoputapu and Tafahi were hit by a tsunami which caused major damage, killing nine people.

There are high levels of emigration among its well-educated workforce coupled with dependency on their remittances and a lack of youth development and employment opportunities.

While Tonga has already achieved high standards against many of the Millennium Development Goals, the Tongan people face increasing health problems, particularly the rise in non-communicable diseases, as well as low employment prospects (particularly for youth).

Links with Australia

Australia has long-standing and friendly relations with Tonga, including in relation to trade, employment, education, aid and defence cooperation programs. Tongan migrants have come to Australia to study, work or to join family members since the 1970s. The 2011 Census recorded 9,208 Tongan-born people in Australia, with the largest number (5,550) living in New South Wales, followed by Queensland (1,596) and Victoria (1,446). Tongans have achieved notable success in sport, with Tongan athletes contributing to the Australian rugby union and rugby league teams.

Australia exportes meat, liqiefied propane and butane, tobacco and alcoholic beverages to Tonga. Australia imports fruit, nuts, vegetables, artwork and fish from Tonga.

Australian Aid to Tonga provides support for the public sector and the health system, in particular to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors such as smoking and obesity, and strengthen Tonga’s focus on primary healthcare. The aid also targets the development of technical and vocational skills and the improvement of infrastructure.