748 sq km (289 sq miles).
Population:106,440 (2014).
Population density:142.3 per sq km.
Capital:Nuku'alofa.
Government:Constitutional monarchy.
Head of state:King George Tupou VI since 2012.
Head of government:Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva since 2014.
Electricity:240 volts AC, 50Hz. Australian-style plugs with three flat, angled pins are used.
From steep, active volcanoes, to low coral atolls, Tonga's 176 islands offer a truly diverse array of backdrops for those seeking a Pacific getaway.
Tonga enjoys a laidback pace of life which visitors find easy to adopt, whether relaxing on one of the magnificent white sand beaches, first-class diving amid the stunning coral reefs or watching the migratory whales return to their breeding grounds (June to November). Many of the islands are uninhabited, and have much emerald flora and secluded coves to explore.
Sightseeing highlights include the Royal Palace on the waterfront in Nuku'alofa, the Mala'ekula (Royal Tombs), and the Anahulu Cave: an underground cavern of stalactites and stalagmites. Tonga is ruled by the last remaining Kingdom of Polynesia. The ruling family of Tonga, the last remaining Polynesian Kingdom, can be traced back more than 1,000 years.
