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<p>The<em> Kingdom of Tonga</em> formerly known as “<em>The Friendly Islands</em>” is the only sovereign state in the Pacific. The <em>Polynesian</em> island state comprises of 177 islands with a total surface area of about 750 square kilometers.  Of which only 52 of the total islands are inhabited by its 103,000 people. The latitude and longitude of Tonga are 20 degrees 00’S and 175 degrees 00’W respectively.</p>
<p>Tonga’s climate is tropical with warm periods from December to April and cooler periods from May to November. Tonga is vulnerable to mainly tropical cyclones and tsunami at any given month. Tonga lies on the so-called <em>Pacific Ring of Fire</em>, hence, causing frequent volcanic and seismic activity.</p>
<p>The three main groups of the island are Vava’u, Ha’apai and Tongatapu. Nuku’alofa the capital is the largest city. It is located on the mainland of Tongatapu, of which 70% of the country’s population resides.  The official spoken languages are Tongan and English.</p>
<p> Rugby union is the national sport, having many Tongan descents play for renowned teams like the All Blacks and Wallabies Rugby Team namely; Jonah Lomu and Israel Folau.</p>
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<p><strong>Economy    </strong></p>
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<p>The currency of Tonga is Pa’anga. Tonga’s economy relies heavily on remittances from citizens who live abroad (Australia, New Zealand and the United States).</p>
<p>The Tongan GDP is mainly made up of the manufacturing, agriculture and the tourism sectors. The monetary sector of the economy is largely owned and dominated by the royal family and the nobles.</p>
<p>Manufacturing sector consists of handicrafts and a few other very small scale industries, contributing only about 3% of GDP. Agriculture, being widely popular in rural areas, is grown for both market cash crops and subsistence use. Popular plants and crops grown are coconuts, squash, coffee beans, vanilla beans, cassava and taro. Together with fishing, it is the second largest form of income for the country, contributing 30% of the GDP. Moreover, major types of livestock are pigs and poultry.</p>
<p> The government recognizes the tourism industry as a vital economic development. Even though it is the third significant contributor to the country, it is relatively undeveloped. Vava’u is hugely reputable for its whale watching, game fishing, surfing and its beaches. Hence, an upcoming tourism market in the South Pacific.</p>
<p>Tonga’s postage stamps are quite popular with philatelists around the world, for its uniqueness in its colorful feature and often unusual designs.</p>
<p><strong>Health and Education</strong></p>
<p>Tonga has the world’s highest overweight and obese population, affecting 90% of the total population. The literacy rate is relatively high at 98.9%, where primary school education is compulsory and free in state schools. Mission schools provide 90% of secondary schools and 8% of primary education. Most higher education is pursued overseas, having foreign-funded scholarships. </p>
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<p><strong>Culture and Religion</strong></p>
<p>Tonga has been habituated for about 3000 years. They have had frequent contacts with their nearest oceanic neighbors, Fiji and Niue, way before the arrival of European explorers in the late 17<sup>th</sup> century. With the arrival of western traders and missionaries in the 19<sup>th</sup> century, Tongan culture evolved, being heavily influenced by religion. Discarding old habits and beliefs, people adopted new ones.</p>
<p>Christianity is the main religion, with the four major denominations; Methodists, Latter Day Saints Church, Roman Catholic and Free Church of Tonga, affiliating 98% of the total population. </p>
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