Located in the south Pacific northeast of New Zealand, Tonga is an archipelago of 170 islands. These are divided into three main groups, Vava'u, Ha'apai, and Tongatapu. Tonga's easterly islands are generally low and fertile. Those in the west are higher and volcanic in origin. Tonga's economy is based on agriculture, especially coconut, cassava, and passion fruit production. Politics is effectively controlled by the king.

Tonga has strong ethnic ties with eastern Fiji, and there has traditionally been considerable population movement between the two states. Tongans tend to see themselves as unique among Pacific islanders, retaining their monarchy and never having been fully colonized.

Respect for traditional values and institutions remains high. Tongans are strong churchgoers; the Wesleyan, Roman Catholic, and Mormon churches are influential and often fund education. A new generation of Western-educated Tongans is querying some traditional attitudes.

Strengths

Agriculture contributes largest percentage of GDP. Tourism main source of hard currency earnings.

Weaknesses

Off main shipping routes. Aid-dependent. Importer of food. Corruption scandal in royal court in 2001.

The main power brokers in Tongan politics are the king, the noble establishment, and the landowners. King Taufa'ahau, who succeeded his mother Queen Salote in 1965, effectively heads his government, frequently exercising kingly powers. The Legislative Assembly defers to his judgment and the king has instigated several development projects which have been undertaken without reference to the government.

The king's resistance to growing calls for greater democracy was highlighted in 2000, when he passed over his reformist eldest son and appointed his conservative third son, Prince Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, as premier for life.

In 1996, after accepting the Pacific nuclear interests of the USA and France in the preceding decade, Tonga finally acceded to the South Pacific Nuclear-free Zone Treaty. It broke its ties with Taiwan in 1998 in return for closer relations with China.

Tonga has a small defense force, which includes both regulars and reserves. Tongan police assisted in security efforts in the Solomon Islands in 2000.

Tonga has no strategic or mineral resources. Electricity is generated from imported fuel. Recent exploration has failed to identify any oil reserves. Tongan waters contain large numbers of tuna.

Tonga does not suffer from serious environmental problems, although it is occasionally afflicted by natural disasters, such as the recurring El Niño effect. Commercial activity has made little impact on the environment.

Improvements at Fua'amotu Airport have led to an increase in flights to and from Tonga.

Tonga has some modern health care facilities. However, patients have to be flown out to Australia or New Zealand for sophisticated surgery.

Church participation in schools is high. Plans for a new national university were approved in 2000 following violence in Fiji, where Tongan students attend the University of the South Pacific.

Crime rates are generally low, partly due to the strong influence of the family. However, offenses such as breaking and entering have increased, along with rising unemployment levels, among young Tongans.

Tongans indulge in few ostentatious displays of wealth. The well-off provide financial support for relatives.

Tonga's main attractions are its tropical beaches. Flagging tourism has been boosted by political insecurity in the Solomon Islands and Fiji. Fears have been expressed that too many visitors may erode traditional Tongan culture.

Originally discovered by the Polynesians, Tonga was visited by the Dutch in the 17th century and Captain Cook in the 18th century. In the latter half of the 19th century, during the reign of King George Tupou I, the islands became a unified state after a period of civil war.

• 1875 First constitution established.
• 1900 Concern over German ambitions in region; Treaty of Friendship and Protection with UK.
• 1918–1965 Reign of Queen Salote Tupou III.
• 1958 Greater autonomy from UK enshrined in Friendship Treaty.
• 1965 King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV accedes on his mother's death.
• 1970 Full independence within British Commonwealth.
• 1988 Treaty allows US nuclear warships right of transit.
• 2000 King appoints third son as prime minister.
• 2001 Court jester steals US$20 million of state funds.
• 2002 Election sees strong showing by prodemocracy candidates, as in 1996 and 1999.