The Kingdom of Tonga is made up of over 170 tropical islands stretching over 800kms north - south down the eastern side of the International date line. The population of about 100,000 is spread through the three main island groups – Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u.

Tongatapu, lying at the southern end of the chain, is the largest island with the country’s capital, Nuku'alofa, and is home to over two thirds of the total population. The Ha'apai group, sprinkled across the middle of the kingdom’s sparkling ocean, is the archetypal South Pacific paradise with dazzling white sand beaches, waving palm trees and turquoise lagoons. The islands of the Vava’u group at the northern end of the chain are both tropical sand islands as well as more rugged with tropical forests, sea-level caves and limestone cliffs plunging into the water. The seas around Tonga abound with life and are home to the vibrant world of the coral reef. Plunge below the surface and you enter a spectacular underwater world that will dazzle with its variety and colour.

Tonga is the South Pacific’s only constitutional monarchy. King George Tupou V was officially crowned in 2008 and presides over the Government as the supreme authority. The main sources of income are tourism, agriculture and fishing, although many Tongans living overseas send their relatives money and goods. All over Tonga daily life still follows a traditional village pattern. As the majority of Tongans are devout Christians, Sunday is considered to be sacred so nobody works and all the churches are crowded. As a visitor you are always welcome to attend their services or you can relax on the beach and indulge in a bit of sun worship.

In the Ha’apai group, where we are based, the rhythm of life is slow and steady. Of the 62 islands, 45 are uninhabited and almost all are low coral islands with vibrant reefs and kilometres of deserted white beaches fringed with coconut palms. The horizon to the west is dominated by the dormant volcanic cone of Kao side by side with Tofua, an active volcano that is famous for its role in Mutiny on the Bounty!

Tonga is also known as “The Friendly Islands” and you’ll generally find Tongans are friendly and helpful, with a great sense of humour! English is widely spoken, so if you can’t speak Tongan don’t worry, you won’t be lost for words!

Climate
Tonga is basically subtropical with a cooler, drier season between May and November when the temperature ranges from 23°C to 27°C (74 °F - 80 °F). The region's wet season lasts from November to April with December and January normally the wettest months. Temperatures rise up to 32°C and the average daily humidity is 80%.

Although Tonga lies within the South Pacific cyclone belt they only occur, on average, every 10 to 15 years. The season for tropical storms and cyclones is between November and March.

Currency
The Tonga Dollar (Pa'anga). The exchange rate hovers around T$ 1.00 = US$ 0.45 Useful currency converter - http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Health
No inoculations are required.