Cruising to TongaBackgroundThe archipelagos of "The Friendly Islands" were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It remains the only monarchy in the Pacific. GeographyLocation: Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about
two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Coastline419 km Maritime claimsTerritorial sea: 12 nm ClimateTropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December) TerrainMost islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base Elevation extremesLowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m EconomyTonga, a small, open, South Pacific island economy, has a narrow export base in agricultural goods. Squash, coconuts, bananas, and vanilla beans are the main crops, and agricultural exports make up two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The country remains dependent on external aid and remittances from Tongan communities overseas to offset its trade deficit. Tourism is the second-largest source of hard currency earnings following remittances. The government is emphasizing the development of the private sector, especially the encouragement of investment, and is committing increased funds for health and education. Tonga has a reasonably sound basic infrastructure and well-developed social services. High unemployment among the young, a continuing upturn in inflation, pressures for democratic reform, and rising civil service expenditures are major issues facing the government. TransportationAirports: 6 (2005) Merchant marineTotal: 20 ships (1000 GRT or over) 102,427 GRT/148,871 DWT Sailing Specifics: Ports and terminalsNuku'alofa Other Sailing Destinations in the RegionAmerican Samoa - Australia - Cook Island - Easter Islands (Chile) - Federation of Micronesia - Fiji - Guam - USA (Hawaii) - Kiribati - Marshall Islands - Nauru - New Caledonia - New Zealand - Niue - Norfolk Island - Northern Mariana Islands - Palau - Papua New Guinea - Pitcairn Island - Samoa - Solomon Island - Tokelau - Tonga - Tuvalu - Vanuatu - Wallis and Futuna Further Reading |
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