Tonga
Capital
Nuku'alofa
Population
~106,000
Currency
Tongan Paʻanga (TOP)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- Tongan, English
- Religion
- Predominantly Christian (Methodist, Catholic, Mormon)
- Climate
- Tropical maritime; warm year-round
Culture & History
Known for: being the last remaining Polynesian monarchy, strong passion for rugby union, and significant influence of Christian missionaries
Also famous for: Composed of over 170 islands (many uninhabited), traditional culture (Ta'ovala mats), recent volcanic eruption and tsunami (2022)
Food: Lu Pulu (taro leaves with corned beef/lamb in coconut milk), Ota Ika (raw fish salad)
Brief History
Never formally colonized, maintained monarchy under British protectorate status, known for large diaspora