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Location Overview |
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| Tonga is distinctly different to its neighbouring island nations. It is the oldest and last remaining Polynesian monarchy and the only Pacific nation never brought under forein rule. Made up of four main island groups, Tongatapu in the south, Ha'apai, Vava'u, and the Niuas in the far north, the kingdom's 170 islands are sprinkled over 700,000 sq kms of ocean.
Fewer than 50 of the islands are inhabited and Tonga's total population number less then 100,000. Nudging the International Date line the kingdom is the first country in the world to welcome the dawn of each new day. Carbon dating confirms that Tonga has been inhabited since 1100BC but many scholars believe the first settlers of Polynesia came to Tonga about 3000BC. The ancestry of HM King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV can be traced back to the ancient Tu'i Tonga, Tu'i Ha'atakalaua and Tu'k Kanokupolu line of kings. Today the Kingdom of Tonga is a constitutional monarchy. Tonga is unique. Because of its independence, the way of life has remained largely unchanged and culturally intact. The people are carefree, funloving and renowned for their sincere goodwill. |
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