Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga lies between Samoa and New Zealand just west of the International Dateline. The world's day begins in Tonga. The country consists of four island groups: Tongatapu and neighboring Eua in the south, the sprawling Haapai Group in the middlem and Vavau to the north. North again are the isolated islands of Niuatoputapu and Niuafoou which comprise the Niua Group.

Tonga's capital, Nukualofa, is on Tongatapu, an uplifted atoll with ocean cliffs on the south and a broad lagoon on the north. True atolls comprise most of the Haapai Group with a few active volcanoes thrown in. Vavau is one of the most popular yachting centers in the South Pacific with many excellent anchorages.

Fast Facts:

Tonga's population is around 100,000 but many more expatriate Tongans live in New Zealand and the United States. Tonga's Polynesian culture is evident in the traditional dress of the people, consisting of huge mats wrapped around their waists. The Tongans excel in weaving and woodcarving, and their singing and dancing are renowned.

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