Tonga

Summary data on Tonga

• Total population: Approximately 105.700 inhabitants (2024).
• Population growth rate: +0,4% per year.
• Capital: Nukuʻalofa, with approximately 24.500 inhabitants.
• Main cities: Nukuʻalofa, Neiafu (Vavaʻu Island), Pangai (Haʻapai Island).
• Countries bordering: None, it is an isolated archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.
• Nominal GDP: Approximately USD 0,6 billion (2024).
• GDP per capita: Approximately 5.700 USD.
• GDP growth rate: +2,2% (2024).
• Inflation: About 6%.
• Unemployment rate: About 3,2%.
• Trade balance: Negative, with heavy dependence on imports.
• Major business partners: New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, United States.
• Public debt: About 45% of GDP.
• Public spending on R&D: Not relevant, with limited investment in research and development.
• Main economic sectors: Agriculture, fishing, tourism and remittances from migrant workers.
• Currency: Tongan Paʻanga (TOP), 1 USD ≈ 2,35 TOP (2024).
• Interest rate: About 3%.
• Foreign exchange reserves: Approximately USD 150 million.
• Main exports: Fish, coconut, kava root, vanilla.
• Main imports: Machinery, fuel, processed foods, chemicals.
• Human Development Index (HDI): 0,721 (2024), "medium" category.
• Literacy rate: About 99%.
• Life expectancy: About 73 years old.
• Position in the Global Innovation Index: Not detected, due to limited technological capacity.
• Corruption Perception Index: 45/100, ranking 78rd.

Insights into Tonga

1. Country Name

• Official name: Kingdom of Tonga.
• Extended form: Pule'anga Fakatu'i 'o Tonga (in Tongan language).

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2. Geography

• Geographic location: Located in theSouth Pacific Ocean, Tonga is located approximately 1.800 km northeast of New Zealand, in the vicinity of Panties, Samoa e Niue.
• In total area: 747 km², comprising 169 islands, of which 36 are inhabited.
• Description of the landscape: The islands are of origin volcanic e coral, with low mountains and coral reefs. Tonga enjoys a climate tropical, with a rainy season from November to April.

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3. Population

• Number of inhabitants: Approximately 106.000 Guests.
• Population growth rate: Relatively low, with significant emigration to New Zealand and Australia.
• Distribution: Most live on the main island of Tongatapu, with predominantly rural settlements.

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4. Capital and main cities

• Capital: Nuku'alofa, located on the island of Tongatapu, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
• Other major cities: Neiafu (tourism center in the Vava'u Islands) and Pangai (in the Ha'apai Islands).

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5. Economy

Nominal GDP and GDP per capita

The nominal GDP of the Kingdom of Tonga is modest, standing at around 500 million dollars. GDP per capita is around dollars 4.800, which places it as a developing economy based on primary sectors and external remittances.

Main economic sectors

• Agriculture: The agricultural sector is fundamental, representing a significant share of the GDP. They are grown taro, manioca, coconut and other tropical products intended for both the domestic and export markets.
• Fishing: The fishing industry contributes to local livelihoods and the export of tuna and other fish.
• Tourism: Tourism is growing, with natural attractions such as coral reefs and traditional Tongan culture.

GDP growth rate and inflation

In recent years, the GDP growth rate has remained around 2-3% annual. Inflation varies, often linked to import price volatility and climate shocks.

Unemployment rate and trade balance

The unemployment rate is low, around 2%, but many work in subsistence activities. The trade balance is consistently in deficit, as imports exceed exports.

Public debt

Public debt is significant and mainly tied to infrastructure loans, much of it from China.

Main exports and imports

Major exports include cassava roots, fish e vanillaThe main imports are consumer goods, fuels e machinery.

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6. Political system and government

• Type of government: Constitutional monarchy.
• Political structure: The King retains significant powers, while the government is led by a Prime Minister and a unicameral Parliament.
• Main political parties: Several parties represent local interests, with generally high voter turnout.

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7. History and culture

Brief historical overview

Tonga is one of the last independent Polynesian kingdoms. It was unified in the 1970th century and has maintained its independence despite brief periods of external influence, such as the British protectorate that ended in XNUMX.

Cultural and linguistic traditions

Tongan culture is based on traditional values, with a strong emphasis on family and respect. The official language is tongan, but English is widely used.

Cultural heritage

Tonga boasts traditional dances, songs and ceremonies that celebrate its history. The Heilala Festival It is one of the main cultural attractions.

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8. Innovation and development

• Global Innovation Index: Low position, with focus on rural development and tourism.
• R&D expenditure: Limited, with priority given to sustainable agriculture.

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9. Education and health

• Literacy rate: High, over the 98%.
• Education systemEducation is compulsory and free up to the age of 14.
• Health: Accessible basic health services, but with limited resources.

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10. International Rankings

• Human Development Index (HDI): Medium.
• Corruption Perception Index (CPI): Moderate.

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11. Environmental policies

Tonga is vulnerable to climate change, with policies to mitigate sea level rise and promote the use of renewable energy.

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12. Curiosities and peculiarities

• Tonga is the first country to see sunrise every day thanks to its time zone.
• Traditional cuisine includes Lu Pulu, a dish made of meat and taro leaves.