World · permanent entity record · TN

Tonga

Thirty-second orientation

Tonga at a glance

Capital: Nuku'alofa; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 103,742; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 747 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Tongan(s); adjective: Tongan; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: constitutional monarchy; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: Tongan only 85%, Tongan and other language 13.9%, Tongan not used at home 1.1% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Tonga through time

1999-09-14
Admitted to the United Nations
Tonga became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	103,742World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 104,519 (2025 est.) male: 52,421 female: 52,098CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-18

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $679.2 million; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $6,547; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 73.1 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 21.2%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 100.0%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 67.4%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Nuku'alofa; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 747 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 103,742; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: pa'anga (TOP); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: Tongan only 85%, Tongan and other language 13.9%, Tongan not used at home 1.1% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Tongan(s); adjective: Tongan; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: constitutional monarchy; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1999-09-14; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: Oceania; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Australia and Oceania.”
Coastline: 419 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Religions: Protestant 63.9% (Free Wesleyan Church 34.2%, Free Church of Tonga 11.3%, Church of Tonga 6.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.5%, Assembly of God 2.5%, Tokaikolo/Maamafo'ou 1.5%, Constitutional Church of Tonga 1.2%, other Protestant 4%), Church of Jesus Christ 19.7%, Roman Catholic 13.7%, other 2.1%, none 0.6%, no answer 0.1% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: red, white; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: red cross on white field; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Kao Volcano on Kao Island · 3,432 ft (1,046 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Pacific Ocean · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-18 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: The first humans arrived in Tonga around 1000 B.C. The islands’ politics were highly centralized under the Tu’i Tonga, or Tongan king, by A.D. 950, and by 1200, the Tu’i Tonga had expanded his influence throughout Polynesia and into Melanesia and Micronesia. The Tongan Empire began to decline in the 1300s, with civil wars, a military defeat to Samoa, and internal political strife. By the mid-1500s, some Tu’i Tongans were ethnic Samoan, and day-to-day administration of Tonga was transferred to a new position occupied by ethnic Tongans. Dutch navigators explored the islands in the 1600s, followed by the British in the 1770s, who named them the Friendly Islands. Between 1799 and 1852 Tonga went through a period of war and disorder. In the 1830s, a low-ranking chief from Ha’apai began to consolidate control over the islands and was crowned King George TUPOU I in 1845, establishing the only still-extant Polynesian monarchy. During TUPOU's reign (1845–93), Tonga became a unified and independent country with a modern constitution (1875), legal code, and administrative structure. In separate treaties, Germany (1876), Great Britain (1879), and the US (1888) recognized Tonga’s independence. His son and successor, King George TUPOU II, agreed to enter a protectorate agreement with the UK in 1900 after rival Tongan chiefs tried to overthrow him. As a protectorate, Tonga never completely lost its indigenous governance, but it did become more isolated and the social hierarchy became more stratified between a group of nobles and a large class of commoners. Today, about one third of parliamentary seats are reserved for nobles. Tonga regained full control of domestic and foreign affairs and became a fully independent nation within the Commonwealth in 1970. A pro-democracy movement gained steam in the early 2000s, led by ‘Akilisi POHIVA, and in 2006, riots broke out in Nuku’alofa to protest the lack of progress on reform. To appease the activists, in 2008, King George TUPOU V announced he was relinquishing most of his powers leading up to parliamentary elections in 2010 and henceforth most of the monarch’s governmental decisions, except those relating to the judiciary, were to be made in consultation with the prime minister. The 2010 Legislative Assembly was called Tonga’s first democratically elected Parliament. King George TUPOU V died in 2012 and was succeeded by his brother Crown Prince Tupouto‘a Lavaka who ruled as George TUPOU VI. In 2015, ‘Akalisi POHIVA became Tonga’s first non-noble prime minister.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Geography17 fields

Location: Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Geographic coordinates: 20 00 S, 175 00 W; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Map references: Oceania; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Area: total : 747 sq km land: 717 sq km water: 30 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Area - comparative: four times the size of Washington, D.C.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Land boundaries: total: 0 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Coastline: 419 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Climate: tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Terrain: mostly flat islands with limestone bedrock formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic rock; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Elevation: highest point: Kao Volcano on Kao Island 1,046 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Natural resources: arable land, fish; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 48.6% (2023 est.) arable land: 27.8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 15.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 5.6% (2023 est.) forest: 12.1% (2023 est.) other: 39.3% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Population distribution: over two thirds of the population lives on the island of Tongatapu; only 45 of the nation's 171 islands are occupied; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Natural hazards: cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou volcanism: moderate volcanic activity; Fonualei (180 m) has had frequent activity in recent years, and Niuafo'ou (260 m) has forced evacuations; other historically active volcanoes include Late and Tofua; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Geography - note: the western islands (making up the Tongan Volcanic Arch) are all of volcanic origin; the eastern islands are nonvolcanic and are composed of coral limestone and sand; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

People and Society35 fields

Population: total: 104,519 (2025 est.) male: 52,421 female: 52,098; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Nationality: noun: Tongan(s) adjective: Tongan; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Ethnic groups: Tongan 96.5%, other (European, Fijian, Samoan, Indian, Chinese, other Pacific Islander, other Asian, other) 3.5% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Languages: Tongan only 85%, Tongan and other language 13.9%, Tongan not used at home 1.1% (2021 est.) note: data represent language use at home of persons aged 5 and older; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Religions: Protestant 63.9% (Free Wesleyan Church 34.2%, Free Church of Tonga 11.3%, Church of Tonga 6.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.5%, Assembly of God 2.5%, Tokaikolo/Maamafo'ou 1.5%, Constitutional Church of Tonga 1.2%, other Protestant 4%), Church of Jesus Christ 19.7%, Roman Catholic 13.7%, other 2.1%, none 0.6%, no answer 0.1% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Age structure: 0-14 years: 29.3% (male 15,627/female 15,142) 15-64 years: 63.2% (male 33,445/female 32,867) 65 years and over: 7.4% (2024 est.) (male 3,534/female 4,274); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 57.2 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 45.2 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 11.9 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 8.4 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Median age: total: 26.4 years (2025 est.) male: 25.4 years female: 26.4 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Population growth rate: -0.37% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Birth rate: 19.43 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Death rate: 4.98 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Net migration rate: -18.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Population distribution: over two thirds of the population lives on the island of Tongatapu; only 45 of the nation's 171 islands are occupied; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 23.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Major urban areas - population: 23,000 NUKU'ALOFA (2018); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Mother's mean age at first birth: 24.9 years (2012 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 67 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 11.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 12.8 deaths/1,000 live births female: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78 years (2024 est.) male: 76.4 years female: 79.7 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Total fertility rate: 2.59 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 1.28 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 99.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 98.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 98.8% of population (2022 est.) urban: 0.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 1.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 1.2% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Health expenditure: 6.3% of GDP (2021) 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Physician density: 1.01 physicians/1,000 population (2021); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 99.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 99.7% of population (2022 est.) total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.) urban: 0.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 0.3% of population (2022 est.) total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 48.2% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.11 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Tobacco use: total: 30.5% (2025 est.) male: 46.1% (2025 est.) female: 15.8% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 0.8% (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 50.7% (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 0.4% (2019) women married by age 18: 10.1% (2019) men married by age 18: 2.8% (2019); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Education expenditure: 5.3% of GDP (2022 est.) 9.3% national budget (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Literacy: total population: 91.1% (2019 est.) male: 83.8% (2019 est.) female: 97.6% (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 18 years (2020 est.) male: 16 years (2020 est.) female: 19 years (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Environment8 fields

Environmental issues: deforestation from land being cleared for agriculture and settlement; soil exhaustion; water pollution due to salinization, sewage, and toxic chemicals from farming activities; coral reefs and marine populations threatened; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
International environmental agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Climate: tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 48.6% (2023 est.) arable land: 27.8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 15.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 5.6% (2023 est.) forest: 12.1% (2023 est.) other: 39.3% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 23.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 174,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 174,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 7.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 17,200 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12.2% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Government22 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga conventional short form: Tonga local long form: Pule'anga Fakatu'i 'o Tonga local short form: Tonga former: Friendly Islands etymology: the name is of local origin and is said to mean "island;" the former name, the Friendly Islands, came from Captain James COOK in 1773, based on the welcome he received from the inhabitants; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Government type: constitutional monarchy; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Capital: name: Nuku'alofa geographic coordinates: 21 08 S, 175 12 W time difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in November; ends second Sunday in January etymology: name is said to be composed of the local words nuku, meaning "residence or abode," and alofa, meaning "love;" it may also mean "the south," describing Tonga's position in relation to most other Polynesian islands; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Administrative divisions: 5 island divisions; 'Eua, Ha'apai, Ongo Niua, Tongatapu, Vava'u; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Legal system: English common law; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Constitution: history: adopted 4 November 1875, revised 1988, 2016 amendment process: proposed by the Legislative Assembly; passage requires approval by the Assembly in each of three readings, the unanimous approval of the Privy Council (a high-level advisory body to the monarch), the Cabinet, and assent to by the monarch; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Tonga; if a child is born out of wedlock, the mother must be a citizen of Tonga dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: King TUPOU VI (since 18 March 2012) head of government: Prime Minister Fatafehi FAKAFANUA (since 18 December 2025) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime minister indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly and appointed by the monarch most recent election date: 15 December 2025 election results: 2025: Fatafehi FAKAFANUA elected prime minister by the Legislative Assembly; Fatafehi FAKAFANUA (Independent) 16 votes, Aisake Valu EKE (Independent) 10 votes 2024: Aisake Valu EKE elected prime minister by the Legislative Assembly; Aisake Valu EKE (Independent) 16 votes, Viliami LATU (Independent) 8 note: a Privy Council advises the monarch; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 30 (17 directly elected; 9 indirectly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 11/20/2025 percentage of women in chamber: 3.8% expected date of next election: November 2025; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Judicial branch: highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and a number of judges determined by the monarch) judge selection and term of office: judge appointments and tenures made by the King in Privy Council and subject to consent of the Legislative Assembly subordinate courts: Supreme Court; Magistrates' Courts; Land Courts note: appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are brought before the King in Privy Council, the monarch's advisory organ that has both judicial and legislative powers; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Political parties: Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands or DPFI or PTOA Tonga People's Party (Paati ʻa e Kakai ʻo Tonga) or PAK or TPPI; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Viliana Va’inga TONE (since 20 April 2021) chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022 telephone: [1] (917) 369-1025 FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024 email address and website: tongaconsnot@gmail.com consulate(s) general: San Francisco; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Marie DAMOUR (since 6 December 2022); note - Ambassador DAMOUR is based in the US Embassy in the Republic of Fiji and is accredited to Tonga as well as Kiribati, Nauru, and Tuvalu embassy: although the US opened an embassy in Tonga on 9 May 2023, the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga while the Embassy is being staffed; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
International organization participation: ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Independence: 4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate status); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
National holiday: Official birthday of King TUPOU VI, 4 July (1959) note: the monarch's actual birthday is 12 July 1959, 4 July (2015) is the day the king was crowned; Constitution Day (National Day), 4 November (1875); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Flag: description: red with a red cross on a white rectangle in the upper-left corner meaning: the cross stands for Christianity in Tonga, red for Christ's blood and sacrifice, and white for purity; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
National symbol(s): red cross on white field; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
National color(s): red, white; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
National anthem(s): title: "Ko e fasi 'o e tu'i 'o e 'Otu Tonga" (Song of the King of the Tonga Islands) lyrics/music: Uelingatoni Ngu TUPOUMALOHI/Karl Gustavus SCHMITT history: in use since 1874; more commonly known as "Fasi Fakafonua" (National Song); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Economy31 fields

Economic overview: upper middle-income Pacific island economy; enormous diaspora and remittance reliance; key tourism and agricultural sectors; major fish exporter; rapidly growing Chinese infrastructure investments; rising methamphetamine hub; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $740.082 million (2023 est.) $724.972 million (2022 est.) $742.114 million (2021 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 2.1% (2023 est.) -2.3% (2022 est.) 0.4% (2021 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Real GDP per capita: $7,100 (2023 est.) $6,900 (2022 est.) $7,000 (2021 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $508.735 million (2023 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.2% (2024 est.) 6.4% (2023 est.) 11% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 17.5% (2023 est.) industry: 13.5% (2023 est.) services: 50.2% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 107.6% (2023 est.) government consumption: 29.1% (2023 est.) investment in fixed capital: 27.3% (2023 est.) investment in inventories: -0.3% (2023 est.) exports of goods and services: 18.8% (2023 est.) imports of goods and services: -75.4% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Agricultural products: coconuts, pumpkins/squash, cassava, sweet potatoes, vegetables, yams, taro, root vegetables, plantains, lemons/limes (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Industries: tourism, construction, fishing; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Industrial production growth rate: -11.1% (2023 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Labor force: 34,800 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Unemployment rate: 2.2% (2024 est.) 2.3% (2023 est.) 2.4% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 6.3% (2024 est.) male: 3.9% (2024 est.) female: 10% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Population below poverty line: 20.6% (2021 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 27.1 (2021 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4% (2021 est.) highest 10%: 22% (2021 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Remittances: 50% of GDP (2023 est.) 41.9% of GDP (2022 est.) 42% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Budget: revenues: $276.025 million (2023 est.) expenditures: $244.97 million (2023 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Public debt: 43.9% of GDP (2020 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 23.8% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Current account balance: -$21.165 million (2024 est.) -$30.087 million (2023 est.) -$27.749 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Exports: $119.511 million (2024 est.) $95.345 million (2023 est.) $59.926 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Exports - partners: Guyana 17%, USA 17%, NZ 15%, Australia 15%, UAE 12% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, gold, processed fruits and nuts, cassava, fish (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Imports: $392.888 million (2024 est.) $383.475 million (2023 est.) $330.306 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Imports - partners: Fiji 27%, NZ 24%, China 21%, Australia 8%, USA 5% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, plastic products, poultry, cars, sheep and goat meat (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $377.299 million (2024 est.) $396.53 million (2023 est.) $375.564 million (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Debt - external: $159.276 million (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Exchange rates: pa'anga (TOP) per US dollar - 2.373 (2024 est.) 2.364 (2023 est.) 2.328 (2022 est.) 2.265 (2021 est.) 2.3 (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Energy5 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 34,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 67.01 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 5.99 million kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 89% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 9.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Petroleum: refined petroleum consumption: 1,000 bbl/day (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 23.272 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 11,000 (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 64,800 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 62 (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV station and 3 privately owned TV stations; satellite and cable TV services available; 1 state-owned and 5 privately owned radio stations; Radio Australia available via satellite (2019); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Internet country code: .to; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 59% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 9,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Transportation4 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: A3; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Airports: 6 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Merchant marine: total: 29 (2023) by type: container ship 1, general cargo 13, oil tanker 1, other 14; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Ports: total ports: 3 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 0 very small: 3 ports with oil terminals: 0 key ports: Neiafu, Nuku Alofa, Pangai; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Military and Security6 fields

Military and security forces: His Majesty's Armed Forces Tonga (HMAF; aka Tonga Defense Services): Tonga Royal Guard, Tonga Land Force (Royal Tongan Marines), Tonga Navy, Air Wing Ministry of Police and Fire Services: Tonga Police Force (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military expenditures: 1.8% of GDP (2024 est.) 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.) 2.1% of GDP (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 600 active Armed Forces (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the military's inventory consists of light weapons, as well as some naval patrol vessels acquired from Australia (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military service age and obligation: 16-25 years of age for men and women to apply for trainee soldier; no conscription (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military - note: the military's primary missions are defending Tonga's sovereignty, providing maritime security, and protecting the King; it is also responsible for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search and rescue operations, monitoring against illegal fishing, and delivering supplies to the outer islands; the military has contributed limited numbers of personnel to multinational military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Solomon Islands; Australia, New Zealand, and the US are key partners Tonga has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Tonga's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas Tonga participated in World War I as part of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, but the Tonga Defense Force (TDF) was not established until 1939 at the beginning of World War II; in 1943, New Zealand helped train about 2,000 Tongan troops who saw action in the Solomon Islands; the TDF was disbanded at the end of the war, but was reactivated in 1946 as the Tonga Defense Services (TDS); in 2013, the name of the TDS was changed to His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga (HMAF) (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

The underlying United States government material is public domain. The Almanac’s reuse terms do not change the legal status of this preserved source layer.

Tonga at a glance

Tonga through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile