From Wikitravel Shared

Tonga [1], the "Friendly Islands", is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.

[edit] Regions

Tonga is divided into three island groups, or regions.

• Tongatapu -- home of the capital, Nuku'alofa
• Ha'apai -- the least populated group
• Vava'u -- and Neiafu a popular yachting destination

[edit] Cities

• Nuku'alofa

[edit] Other destinations

[edit] Understand

[edit] History

The archipelago of "The Friendly Islands" was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.

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[edit] Climate

[edit] Holidays

[edit] Get in

You either come in by airplane or yacht.

[edit] By plane

Air New Zealand flies from Auckland and Los Angeles. You can also arrive from Fiji. Virgin Blue flies from several Australian state capitals as well as Auckland.

[edit] By boat

Lots of people arrive by private yacht since Tonga is a common stop on the around the world circuit.

[edit] Get around

To get between island groups, you basically have to fly (or yacht). The one national airline is owned by one of the princes and is called Air Peau. As of late 2004, they flew a 60 year-old DC-3 which was quite an experience.

[edit] Talk

Tongan is the most widely spoken language in Tonga. English is well also understood as many of the high school teach exclusively in English.

[edit] Buy

The national currency is the Pa'anga, or Tongan dollar.

[edit] Eat

Tongan feasts are a must do.

[edit] Drink

Beer and liquor are available from many outlets, including Fijian, Australian and New Zealand imports to compliment the local brews. If you are keen to check out native drink, try Kava (something like liquid novacaine) at least once.

[edit] Sleep

Tonga is lively well into the evening, generally becoming suddenly very quiet at around 11pm. Expect to see people walking around until late.

[edit] Learn

[edit] Work

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Stay healthy

[edit] Respect

Not really an issue in tourist areas, Tongans are very familiar with foreigners. For maximum respect, keep your knees covered (Both men and women). This is a very Christian, conservative country. Keep in mind that Sunday is strongly reverenced, the vast majority of the population will attend religious services, very few shops will be open and there is very little to do.

Hotels will be open, as will the restaurant within the Dateline Hotel and some Chinese establishments. Small shops may open later in the afternoon, there is a bakery open in Nuku'alofa.

Tv stations will be closed or play Christian shows, radio will also play Christian content from 12 midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday.

The cinema in Nuku'alofa usually has a Monday morning screening just after midnight Sunday.

Tonga features many major Christian religions, many of the pentecostal services are very enjoyable. Strike up a friendship with some locals and you will have no problems finding an enjoyable Sunday experience despite the lack of commercial activity.

[edit] Contact

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