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POPULATION
Tonga has four island groups -Tongatapu, Ha'apai, Vava'u and Niuas - but only 45 of the 170 islands are inhabited. Two-thirds of the population live on the main island, Tongatapu, which is also the main agricultural centre.
Tonga is in the centre of the South Pacific islands, but with a very different nature from its neighbours; a nature that intrigues and delights travelers. For a start, Tonga has a monarchy, with a much beloved king, and is the only country in the South Pacific never to have been colonised.
LANGUAGE & EDUCATION
While Tongan is the native tongue, and is spoken at home, the language of business is English, which is taught in all schools from a young age.
The King is adamant that all children have access to education, and literacy runs at 99%. Primary school is free and compulsory, while most secondary schools are sponsored by a church. Those attending university must go to the University of the South Pacific, based in Fiji, or to other regional or non-regional institutions.
RELIGION
Tonga is a deeply religious nation, where Christianity has become an integral part of the culture. Many people attend church several times a week and Sunday is a day of worship, with no commerce or recreation. The call to prayer rings through the islands from an early hour, as does the fervent hymn singing. While the Free Wesleyan Methodist Church is the official church of Tonga, there are many Catholic churches and a growing number of Churches of the Latter Day Saints.
The major religious festival of the year is Easter, when all the women dress in white and wear their finest fine mats. The festival, which includes Palm Sunday, is a time for religious drama, action songs, choral competitions and candle-lit mass.
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