Tonga

Tonga Latest News

A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake recently hit near Tonga, prompting a tsunami warning for the Pacific island country.

About Tonga

• Tonga, officially the Kingdom of Tonga, also called Friendly Islands, is an archipelago composed of 169 islands, of which only 36 islands are inhabited, and is located in the South Pacific Ocean. 
• It lies south of Samoa, east of Fiji, and just north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
• Tonga’s western islands are volcanic (four with active volcanoes) and sit well above sea level. Those to the east are coral and are more low-lying.
• The three largest islands are Tongatapu, Ha'apai, and Vava'u, with Tongatapu being the most populated.
• The capital, Nuku‘alofa, is on the island of Tongatapu.
• Due to its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire, Tonga experiences relatively frequent volcanic activity.
• A former British protectorate, Tonga became fully independent in 1970, although it was never formally colonised.
• Political System: It is a constitutional monarchy.
• Tonga is a member of the Commonwealth and of the United Nations.
• Language: Tongan, English
• Currency: Tongan Paʻanga (TOP)
• Economy: Tonga has no strategic or mineral resources, and relies on agriculture, fishing and the money sent home by Tongans living abroad.

Tonga FAQs

Q1. Where is Tonga located?

Ans. South Pacific Ocean

Q2. What is the capital of Tonga?

Ans. Nuku‘alofa

Q3. Tonga was previously a protectorate of which country?

Ans. United Kingdom

Source: IT