Tonga
Region
🌍 Oceania
Population
👥 100
Currency
💱 Tongan paÊ»anga
Languages
🗣️ English, Tongan
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 36 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Kingdom of Tonga
Continent
Oceania
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Tongan
Independence
June 4, 1970 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.to
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+676
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+13:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Nuku'alofa
ISO Alpha-2
TO
ISO Alpha-3
TON
UN Code
776
Geographic Coordinates
-20,-175
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
747#194 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
100,179#199 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
145.27
Highest Point (m)
1,030 meters (Mount Kao)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Pacific Ocean)
Land Use
Agricultural land accounts for a significant portion, with forests and other areas present.
Irrigated Land
Limited irrigated land is used for agriculture.
Coastline Length
Approximately 419 km
Climate
Tropical; warm season (November to April), cooler season (May to October)
Natural Resources
Fish, arable land
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This island nation has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This island nation has no major lakes.
Government Type
Constitutional monarchy
Administrative Divisions
5 divisions
Legal System
Based on English common law and Tongan customary law
Chief of State
King Tupou VI
Head of Government
Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku (Siaosi Sovaleni)
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Elections
Elections are held for the Legislative Assembly.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court; Land Court
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)
Major Political Parties
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands, People's Party
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Tongan paʻanga
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.68#204 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.9#195 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6,547.19#125 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
18.57
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
17.67
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
49.54
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
5.59#44 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
33,628
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.01#169 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2020)Checked September 29, 2026
43.08
Budget
Tonga's budget is primarily focused on social services, infrastructure, and debt repayment.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.11#187 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.39#186 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves may vary; consult current financial reports.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found online or at local banks and exchange services in Tonga.
GDP by Sector
Primarily services (tourism), agriculture, and fisheries.
Major Industries
Tourism, fishing, agriculture, and handicrafts.
Major Export Partners
Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Major Import Partners
New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
99.48#19 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
23
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.4
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -2 migrants per 1,000 population (2022 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 22 years (2022 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
21.16#208 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Tonga's urbanization rate is relatively low and stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
73.1#122 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is low in Tonga.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
7.36
Ethnic Groups
Tongan 98%, other 2%
Religions
Christianity (primarily Free Wesleyan Church, Free Church of Tonga, Roman Catholic)
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Tongan
Education
Education System
Education in Tonga is compulsory from ages 6 to 14, with primary and secondary schools. The system is overseen by the Ministry of Education.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2003)Checked September 29, 2026
14.5
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education in Tonga is around 10-15% of the total government budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The University of the South Pacific (USP) has a campus in Tonga, providing higher education opportunities.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Tongan culture is deeply rooted in Polynesian traditions, with a strong emphasis on family, respect for elders, and communal values. Traditional arts, music, dance, and crafts are integral to Tongan life.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Emancipation Day (2026-06-04)
- Birthday of the reigning Sovereign of Tonga (2026-07-04)
- Birthday of the Heir to the Crown of Tonga (2026-09-17)
- Constitution Day (2026-11-04)
- Anniversary of the Coronation of H.M. King George Tubou I (2026-12-04)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-26)
Popular Music
Tongan music often features traditional instruments and vocals. Contemporary music blends Tongan styles with modern genres.
Traditional Food
Traditional Tongan cuisine includes dishes like ota 'ika (raw fish marinated in coconut milk), lu pulu (corned beef cooked with taro leaves in coconut milk), and various root vegetables.
Sports
Rugby union is the most popular sport in Tonga, and the country is known for its strong national team. Other sports include netball, volleyball, and soccer.
Major Festivals
Major festivals in Tonga include the Heilala Festival, showcasing cultural events and celebrations.
Famous People
Notable Tongans include athletes like Jonah Lomu (rugby) and various cultural figures.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Tonga has several historical and cultural sites, including ancient burial grounds and archaeological sites, though specific designated UNESCO sites are fewer.
UNESCO Sites
Tonga does not currently have any UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
Tens of thousands of annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a significant part of the economy.
Top Tourist Attractions
Beaches, coral reefs, whale watching, cultural sites.
Famous Cities
Nukuʻalofa.
National Parks
Limited national parks.
Protected Areas
Protected areas exist to preserve biodiversity.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa-free entry for many nationalities.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions; monitor for natural disaster risks.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index varies; consult recent healthcare reports.
Medical Cost
Medical costs in Tonga may vary depending on the services and location.
Number of Hospitals
There are several hospitals and clinics across Tonga; specific numbers can vary.
Universal Healthcare
Tonga provides a basic level of public healthcare, but access can vary depending on location and resources.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available in Tonga, with the main hospital located in Nuku'alofa.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but access can be limited in remote areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police in Tonga is 911.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulances in Tonga is 911.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department in Tonga is 911.
Crime Rate
The crime rate in Tonga is generally considered low, but petty crime may occur.
Safety Index
Tonga generally has a high safety index, making it a safe destination for tourists.
Military Expenditure
Tonga's military expenditure is relatively small.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services in Tonga include police, ambulance, and fire departments, accessible via 911.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Tonga maintains the Tonga Defence Services, encompassing land, sea, and air forces.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Access to electricity is available to a large portion of the population.
Water Access
Access to clean water is generally available in Tonga.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is available, with ongoing improvements in sanitation infrastructure.
Railways
Tonga does not have any railways.
Roadways
The road network in Tonga is primarily paved, connecting the major population centers.
Transportation System
The transportation system in Tonga primarily relies on roads and inter-island ferries. Domestic flights connect some islands.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Fua'amotu International Airport (TBU), Vava'u International Airport (VAV), Lifuka Island Airport (HPA)
Ports
Nukuʻalofa is the main port and handles international shipping.
Public Transit
Public transportation is available, including buses and taxis.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
67.44#139 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Over 100 per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup activity.
Innovation Index
Low innovation index ranking.
ICT Development Index
Moderate ICT development.
TV Broadcast Stations
Few television stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Several radio stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.63#122 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data is limited; air quality generally considered moderate.
Water Pollution Level
Some coastal pollution due to waste disposal and runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Significant potential, with some solar energy implementation.
Environmental Issues
Climate change impacts, coastal erosion, deforestation.
Natural Hazards
Volcanic activity, cyclones, tsunamis, earthquakes.
Waste Management
Limited infrastructure; waste disposal is a challenge.
Environmental Agreements
Parties to various agreements including climate change and biodiversity.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in several countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth
Major Treaties
Part of the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free access for Tongan citizens to numerous countries, especially in the Pacific region.