TRAVELLER INFORMATION FOR TONGA
Entry/Exit Requirements: Visas are issued upon arrival. Valid passport, sufficient funds, and onward or return tickets required. Visitors are usually allowed stays of up to 30 days. Departure tax T$20.
Time: GMT + 13.
Climate: Pleasant and slightly cooler than most tropical areas.
Clothing: Casual clothes are recommended for most occasions.
Currency: The Tongan dollar or pa'anga equals 100 seniti (cents).
Health: No major health precautions necessary.
Area: 748 sq km (289 sq miles).
Population: 98,000 (1998).
Capital: Nuku'alofa. Population: 34,000 (1990).
Geography: Tonga is an archipelago of 172 islands in the South Pacific, most of which are uninhabited, covering an area of 7700 sq km (3000 sq miles). The major island groups are Tongatapu and Eua, Ha'apai, Vava'u. Tonga's high volcanic and low coral forms give the islands a unique character. Some volcanoes are still active and Falcon Island in the Vava'u group is a submerged volcano that erupts periodically, its lava and ash rising above sea level forming a visible island which disappears when the eruption is over. Nuku'alofa, on Tongatapu Island, has a reef-protected harbour lined with palms. The island is flat with a large lagoon, but no running streams, and many surrounding smaller islands. Eua Island is hilly and forested with high cliffs and beautiful beaches. The Ha'apai Islands, a curving archipelago 160km (100 miles) north of Tongatapu, have excellent beaches. Tofua, the largest island in the group, is an active volcano with a hot steaming lake in its crater. The Vava'u Islands, 90km (50 miles) north of Ha'apai, are hilly, densely wooded and interspersed with a maze of narrow channels. They are known for their stalagmite-filled caves.
Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained full independence within the Commonwealth in 1970. Head of State: King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV since 1965.
Head of Government: Prime Minister HRH Prince 'Ulukalala-Lavaka-Ata (since 2000).
Language: Tongan and English.
Religion: Wesleyan Church, Roman Catholic, Anglican. Small denominations of the Muslim, Baha'i and Mormon faiths.
Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz.
Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 676. Outgoing international code: 00.
Mobile telephone: GSM 900. Network operators inlcude Tonga Communications Corporation.
Fax: Services are provided by Cable & Wireless.
Internet: Cable & Wireless (website: www.candw.to).
