COUNTRY INFORMATION - TONGA

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Location of Tonga
Tonga is an archipelago of 172 islands in the South Pacific, most of which are uninhabited, covering an area of 3,000 sq.miles. The major island groups are ’Eua, Ha’apai, the Niuas, Tongatapu and Vava’u. Tonga’s high volcanic and low coral forms give the islands a unique character. Some volcanoes are still active and Falcon Island in the Vava’u group is a submerged volcano that erupts periodically, its lava and ash rising above sea level forming a visible island, which disappears when the eruption is over. Nuku’alofa, on Tongatapu Island, has a reef-protected harbour lined with palms. The island is flat with a large lagoon, but no running streams, and many surrounding smaller islands. ’Eua Island is hilly and forested with high cliffs and beautiful beaches.

Airports
Fua’Amotu airport is 8 miles from Nuku’alofa. Transport by taxi and bus is available.

Language
Tongan and English are the official languages.

Places To Go
Tonga is an archipelago of 172 islands in the South Pacific, most of which are uninhabited, covering an area of 3,000 sq.miles. The major island groups are Tongatapu and ’Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u. Tonga’s high volcanic and low coral forms give the islands a unique character. Sightseeing on Tongatapu should include the Royal Palace on the waterfront in Nuku’alofa. The grounds are decorated with tropical shrubs and flowers. The Mala’ekula (Royal Tombs) are situated in the southern part of the business district along Taufa’ahau Road. Other sights include the Anahulu Cave, an underground cavern of stalactites and stalagmites near the beach of the same name. Local staples are ’ufi and taro. Other dishes include lu pullu (meat and onions, marinaded in coconut milk, baked in taro leaves in an underground oven). Nightlife is sedate, limited to music and dancing in the hotels. Tongan feasts and entertainment are also organised.

Tonga Visitors’ Bureau
PO Box 37,
Nuku’alofa,
Tonga
Tel: 25334.
Fax: 23507.
E-mail: tvb@kalianet.toor info@tvb.gov.to
Website: www.tongaholiday.com

Tongan High Commission
36 Molyneux Street,
London
W1H 5BQ,
UK
Tel: (020) 7724 5828.
Fax: (020) 7723 9074.
E-mail: vielak@btinternet.comor fetu@btinternet.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

British High Commission
PO Box 56,
Nuku’alofa,
Tonga
Tel: 24285 or 24395.
Fax: 24109.
E-mail: britcomt@kalianet.to

CIA World Factbook - Tonga