<item><hi format=bold>Administrative divisions:</hi> three island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u
<item><hi format=bold>Independence:</hi> 4 June 1970 (from UK)
<item><hi format=bold>National holiday:</hi> Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970)
<item><hi format=bold>Constitution:</hi> 4 November 1875, revised 1 January 1967
<item><hi format=bold>Legal system:</hi> based on English law
<item><hi format=bold>Suffrage:</hi> all literate, tax-paying males and all literate females over 21
<item><hi format=bold>Executive branch:</hi>
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<item>• <hi format=ital>chief of state:</hi> King Taufa'ahau TUPOU IV (since 16 December 1965)
<item>• <hi format=ital>head of government:</hi> Prime Minister Baron VAEA (since 22 August 1991); Deputy Prime Minister S. Langi KAVALIKU (since 22 August 1991)
<item>• <hi format=ital>cabinet:</hi> Cabinet; appointed by the king
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<item><hi format=bold>Privy Council:</hi> consists of the king and the cabinet
<item><hi format=bold>Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea):</hi> elections last held 14-15 February 1990 (next to be held NA February 1993); results—percent of vote NA; seats—(29 total, 9 elected) 6 proreform, 3 traditionalist
<item><hi format=bold>Diplomatic representation in US:</hi> Ambassador Sione KITE, resides in London
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<item>• <hi format=ital>consulate(s) general:</hi> San Francisco
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<item><hi format=bold>US diplomatic representation:</hi> the US has no offices in Tonga; the ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga and makes periodic visits
<item><hi format=bold>Flag:</hi> red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner