Tonga's overall population is over 100,000 as per latest figures. Most of the country's population descend from Polynesia.
The total area of Tonga is 784 square km. Nuku'alofa is its capital as well as the biggest city.
Early History
The earliest settlers on the islands arrived between 1500 and 1000 BCE. The Dutch arrived in 1616 AD.
Since 1875, the country is a constitutional monarchy. Today Tonga is member of both the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
One interesting fact about Tonga is that it doesn't have a single railroad.
Tongan and English are the official languages of the island nation. Most Tongans are Christians. Several Tongans migrate to other countries mostly to the United States and New Zealand.
Out of the 169 islands of Tonga, just 36 are inhabited. Tongatapu is the main island here. About 70% of the nation's population reside in Tongatapu.
The national sport of Tonga is Rugby. The national team's name is Ikale Tahi or Sea Eagles.
A staggering 90% of the population is obese.
Bats are the only wild mammals in this beautiful country.
The migrating Humpback whales come to the waters of Tonga to give birth.
Most of Tonga comprises of flat islands with limestone bedrock. Other islands consist of limestone covering a volcanic base.
Vanilla beans, bananas, coconuts and squash are grown abundantly here.
Tonga exports mainly fish and agricultural crops. The country receives a large amount of remittances from overseas Tongans. Tourism is a major industry here.
Did you know that it is illegal here to go swimming on a sunday? This is because people are supposed to rest on sundays.
The mutiny on the English ship Bounty took place in Tongan Waters in 1789.
Tonga has numerous white and golden sandy beaches. Popular activities here include snorkeling, diving and swimming.
The Royal Palace of Tonga is situated in the capital city. It was built in 1867 but not open to the public. The King of Tonga resides in the wooden Palace.
In this country flying bats are regarded as sacred and owned by the Royals. As per the law, they cannot be hunted or harmed.