Tonga Passport

【 Country Name 】 The Kingdom of Tonga.

The land area is 747 square kilometers, and the exclusive economic zone of the ocean covers 700000 square kilometers.

Population: 100200 (2022). 98% are Tongans, belonging to Polynesian race, and the rest are people from other Pacific island countries, Europeans, Asians and their descendants. There are about 1000 Chinese and overseas Chinese. Tongan language and English are commonly used. Many residents believe in Christianity.

【 Capital 】 Nuku'alofa.

Head of State: King Tupou VI ascended to the throne on March 18, 2012 and was officially crowned on July 4, 2015.

Independence Day: June 4th; National Day (also known as Constitution Day): November 4th.

【 Overview 】 Located in the western South Pacific, west of the International Date Line, adjacent to Fiji to the west. Composed of the three major islands of Tongatapu, Wawau, and Hapai, as well as small islands such as Ewa and Nua, there are a total of 173 islands, of which 36 are inhabited and have no rivers. It belongs to tropical rainforest climate, with dry season from May to November, rainy season from December to next April, and frequent hurricanes and rainstorm from November to next March. The average annual temperature is 23 ℃ in the south and 27 ℃ in the north. The average annual precipitation is 1793 millimeters.

Over 3000 years ago, people settled here. From around 950 AD to the present day, it has gone through four dynasties, and now it is the Taufa'ahao Dynasty established by George Tupou I in 1845. 17. In the 18th century, Dutch, British, and Spanish explorers arrived successively. Christianity was introduced in the 19th century. Became a British protectorate in 1900. On June 4, 1970, it gained independence and became a member of the Commonwealth.

Tonga is the only monarchy in the Pacific Island region. Society is divided into three classes: nobles, aristocrats, and commoners. There are 33 hereditary noble titles in the country. The king is the head of state and holds great power for a long time. Tonga has implemented political reforms in recent years, with the king relinquishing the power of national administration and some personnel rights, while retaining the power to command the armed forces, dissolve parliament, and veto parliamentary proposals; The Privy Council is no longer the highest administrative decision-making body, but a personal advisory body to the King.

The current Constitution was promulgated by King George Tupou I in 1875 and revised in 2010. The Constitution stipulates that the government is composed of three parts: the Cabinet, the Legislative Council, and the judiciary.

The parliament refers to the Legislative Council. One house system. Composed of 9 nobles and 17 commoners. Elections are held every four years. Noble members of parliament are elected by the nobles in their respective constituencies, while civilian members are elected by universal suffrage in their constituencies. The speaker is elected by the members of parliament and appointed by the king. The current parliament was elected in November 2021, and Fakafanua was re elected as the speaker.

The Cabinet is composed of cabinet ministers including the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is elected from 26 members of parliament and appointed by the King; Cabinet ministers are nominated by the Prime Minister and appointed by the King. The Prime Minister may nominate four Cabinet Ministers from outside the Parliament. At present, there are a total of 10 cabinet members, mainly including: Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Minister of Police, Fire and Emergency Affairs Hu'akavameiliku; Samiu Vaipulu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Prisons; Finance Minister Tiofilusi Tiueti; Lord Tu'i'afitu (Noble), Minister of Land and Natural Resources; Minister of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications Fekitamoeloa Utoikamanu (female); Minister of Health Saia Piukala; Viliami Latu, Minister of Trade and Economic Development and Minister of Tourism; Lord Fohe, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry; Seventitini Toumoua, Minister of Infrastructure; Home Secretary Lord Vaea.

The judicial system includes the Supreme Court, appellate courts, land courts, and local courts. The President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and other judges are all appointed by the King. The current President of the Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is Owen Paulson.

【 Political Parties 】 Tonga's Friendship Island Democratic Party (established in September 2010) and Tonga People's Party (established in June 2018).

[Important Person] King Tupou VI: King, brother of King Tupou V. Born on July 12, 1959 in Nuku'alofa. Graduated from the United States Naval Academy, Australian Military Academy, and Bond University in Australia. Appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense in October 1998. In January 2000, he was appointed as the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Maritime Affairs, and Ports. Resigned as Prime Minister in February 2006. In September 2006, he was conferred the title of Crown Prince by imperial decree. Subsequently, Ren Tang was stationed at the Australian High School. Inherited the throne on March 18, 2012. He was officially crowned in July 2015.

Hu'akavameiliku: Prime Minister. Formerly known as Siaosi Sovaleni, after winning the Prime Minister election at the end of last year, Sovaleni often referred to himself as the head of the clan, Hu Akawa Meiliku, in social media and personal letters. Born on February 28th, 1970. In 2014, he was first elected as a member of parliament and served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment, Energy, Information and Communications. Appointed as Minister of Education in 2019. Elected as Prime Minister in December 2021, concurrently serving as Minister of Education, Minister of Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications. Resigned from the positions of Defense Minister, Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change, and Communications Minister in March 2024.

The economy is mainly based on agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, with underdeveloped industries, low productivity levels, backward economic development, and heavy dependence on foreign aid. The main economic data for 2023 are as follows:

Gross Domestic Product: 550 million US dollars.

Per capita Gross Domestic Product: 5490 US dollars.

Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate: 2.6%.

Currency name: Panga (PA'AnGA).

Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 2.3 Pangga.

(Source: International Monetary Fund)

The fishery resources are relatively abundant, and there are basically no mineral resources on land. In May 2008, Nautilus Mining Company of Canada began mineral exploration in the waters off Tonga. In February 2010, the American company Modulus Energy signed an agreement with Tang and was granted permission to conduct oil and gas resource exploration in the Tang waters. In order to protect domestic resources, Tang issued the "Underwater Mineral Law" in August 2014.

[Industry] attaches great importance to the development of industry and advocates product diversification. The main industries include small fishing boat manufacturing, biscuit and instant noodle manufacturing, processing and packaging of edible coconut oil and solid fats, metal waste processing, assembly of solar water heaters, furniture processing and production, welding iron fences, paint packaging, and tobacco factories.

Agriculture is mainly based on small farms, with monotonous crop varieties, primitive farming methods, outdated technology, and low yields. Tonga has a total arable land area of 179.3 square kilometers, accounting for 24% of the total land area, with a per capita arable land of about 0.15 hectares. The number of people engaged in agricultural production accounts for 40% of the total employment, and the main agricultural products include taro, cassava, pumpkin, vanilla, kava, etc. It also produces tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples, coconuts, watermelons, papaya, and a small amount of vegetables. Rice, flour, some vegetables, fruits, and meat rely on imports. The export of agricultural products and fish occupies an absolute dominant position in the export of soup.

The Tanghai area is vast and has abundant fishery resources, mainly for the export of tuna. In recent years, due to climate factors and overfishing, fish resources have been continuously decreasing, coupled with increasing transportation costs, leading to a decline in exports of major fish products such as tuna and lower than expected development. The output value of fisheries accounts for about 3% of the GDP of soup.

The tourism industry is one of the economic sectors vigorously developed by the Tang government, and is regarded as a new economic growth point to increase people's income and solve employment problems. Tonga has unique historical and cultural traditions as well as tourism resources, but its development capacity is limited and the tourism industry has not yet achieved rapid growth. At present, there are more than 110 hotels, motels, and inns across the country, with over 1100 guest rooms. The total number of foreign tourists visiting Tangshan in 2019 was about 94000. The hotel and catering industry is one of the main industries of soup, which is an important industry for government revenue and employment, accounting for about 3% of the total GDP of soup.

Transportation: The total length of the highway is about 950 kilometers.

Water transportation: mainly through ferry transportation on various islands. There are a total of 6 seaports. Nuku'alofa Port on Tongatapu Island and Na'af Port on Wawau Island can accommodate ocean going cargo ships. There are regular shipping lines between Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, Japan and other countries.

Air freight: There are a total of 6 airports of different sizes. There are flights from Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, and Fiji Airways flying through Tonga. Since March 2013, domestic routes have mainly been operated by Real Tonga Airlines.

In the fiscal year 2022/2023, Tonga's fiscal deficit was approximately 30.3 million pangas. As of June 2022, the Tang government's external debt is approximately 429 million Pangga, accounting for 36% of GDP. The national financial system consists of commercial banks such as the Reserve Bank of Tonga, the Development Bank of Tonga, and the South Pacific Bank Tonga Branch.

(1) National Reserve Bank of Tonga: Established in 1989. The approved capital is 2 million Panga. It is the Tang Central Bank, responsible for issuing currency, adjusting exchange rates, and managing the country's foreign exchange reserves.

(2) Tonga Development Bank: Established in 1977. It is a financial institution that promotes investment. Mainly responsible for providing financial loans to the private sector. Its equity capital is mainly donated by the governments of Australia and New Zealand.

(3) Bank of South Pacific Tonga Branch: Established in July 2015, Bank of South Pacific acquired Westpac Bank of Tonga Branch.

(4) MBF Bank Limited: Established in the early 1990s, it is a smaller commercial bank.

(5) Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited Tonga Branch: Established in 1993, it is a commercial bank.

The scale of foreign trade is relatively small, mainly focused on imports. In 2022, the total import and export volume was approximately 657 million Pangga, a year-on-year increase of 10.6%. Among them, the import volume was 626 million Pangga, a year-on-year increase of 12%, and the export volume was 31 million Pangga, a year-on-year decrease of 13% (data source: Tongan Bureau of Statistics). The main imported products are mineral fuels, food, vehicles and their parts, daily necessities, manufactured goods, and building materials, while the exported products are agricultural and fishery products. The main trading partners are New Zealand, the United States, China, Australia, etc. Among them, New Zealand is Tonga's largest source and destination country for imported goods.

Foreign aid mainly comes from Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and others. In recent years, Tonga has received increasing amounts of foreign aid funding.

Implement a nationwide free medical system for people's livelihood.

His Majesty's Armed Forces (formerly known as the Tongan Defence Force, renamed in September 2013) consists of over 600 officers and soldiers from the Army, Navy, and Royal Guard. The king is the supreme commander of the national defense army, and the chief of staff of the army is Brigadier General Feielakepa.

There are over 400 police officers in total.

Public schools offer free education to children aged 6-14. The University of the South Pacific has a branch campus in Tang and another private engineering university. According to Tongan law, churches are allowed to participate in educational activities. About 90% of primary schools are founded by the government, and about 75% of secondary schools are founded by churches. Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan and other countries offer study abroad scholarships to Tang.

There are four major newspapers in the country, published once a week, mostly in Tanga language: Taimi, Ke'lea, Talaki, and Tonga Daily News. The main website is Matangi Tonga. In addition, there are also some religious newspapers and magazines published irregularly.

There are a total of 5 radio stations and 1 television station in the country, mainly broadcasting in Tongan language, as well as a small amount of English news, sports competitions, and TV dramas. CCTV English News Channel and BBC programs in the UK are available for free viewing.

Tonga has established diplomatic relations with over 60 countries, with Australia and New Zealand having high commissions in Tonga, China, the United States, and Japan having embassies in Tonga, and South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, France, and Finland having honorary consuls in Tonga.

Tonga has embassies in China and Japan; Establish a High Commissioner's Office in Australia; Establish a High Commissioner's Office in the UK and oversee affairs of Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, and the European Union; Establish a permanent mission to the United Nations in New York, USA, and oversee the affairs of countries such as the United States, Canada, Cuba, and Mexico; Establishing consulates general in San Francisco and Oakland; There is an honorary consulate office in Hawaii, United States.

Tonga is a member country of the United Nations, Commonwealth, Pacific Islands Forum, Pacific Community, International Civil Aviation Organization, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, International Labour Organization, and others. Tang cares about regional security and stability; Actively participate in regional cooperation and advocate for the establishment of a nuclear free zone in the South Pacific. In July 2007, Tonga joined the World Trade Organization. In July 2014, Tonga was elected as a member of the International Seabed Authority Council, becoming the second small island developing state to be elected to the Council after Fiji, with a term until 2018. In February 2016, Tang joined the International Labour Organization. In January 2021, Tonga became an official member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

In October 2007, Tonga hosted the 38th Pacific Islands Forum Summit, the 19th Forum Post Conference Dialogue, and the 17th South Pacific Tourism Organization Ministerial Council Meeting. In April 2011, Tonga hosted the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's Southwest Pacific Regional Agriculture Ministers' Meeting. In April 2011, Tonga held a Development Partners Forum to seek increased aid from donors to Tonga. In May of the same year, Tonga hosted the Pacific Islands Forum Trade Ministers' Meeting. In the same month, Tonga held the annual review meeting of its energy roadmap plan, calling on all development partners to actively support Tonga in increasing its use of renewable energy and reducing its dependence on petroleum energy. In March 2013, Tonga held the Pacific Leaders' Energy Summit to discuss the development plans and utilization of new energy in various countries in the region. In May 2013, Tonga held the South Pacific Defense Ministers' Conference. In October 2014, Tonga hosted the South Pacific Tourism Ministers' Meeting. In June 2016, Tonga hosted the first Pacific Island Countries Non communicable Disease Summit. In April 2017, hosted regional energy and transportation ministerial meetings and whale conservation conferences. In October 2022, Tonga will host the South Pacific Defense Ministers' Conference.

Established diplomatic relations with New Zealand in 1970. The two countries have close relations. New is the main aid country to Tang, which began providing aid to Tang in 1976 and has been increasing year by year since then. New is the largest trading partner and import market for soup. In November 2006, riots broke out in the capital of Tonga, and New Zealand and Australia sent troops to assist in maintaining public order and quelling the riots. In February 2013, Tupou VI and his wife paid a state visit to New Zealand. In June 2014, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key visited Tang. In February 2015, the new Foreign Minister McCalley visited Tang. In July 2015, the new governor Maitpari went to Tang to attend the coronation ceremony of King Tupou VI. In March 2018, New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern visited Tonga. In August 2022, New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mahauta, visited Tonga. There are currently about 85000 Tongan expatriates residing in New Zealand.

Established diplomatic relations with Australia in 1970, the two countries have a close relationship. Australia is a major aid donor to Tang and began providing assistance to Tang in 1976. Australia is an important trading partner for soup. Aotang has set up a high commissioner's office for each other. In April 2015, Australian Foreign Minister Bishop visited Tonga. In July 2015, Australian Governor General Cosgrove attended the coronation ceremony of King Tupou VI in Tang. In May 2016, Australia signed an aid agreement with Tang, providing 12 million Australian dollars in financial support to Tang over the next three years. In June 2022, Australian Foreign Minister Huang Yingxian visited Tonga.

In recent years, the relationship between the two countries has strengthened. The US aid to Tang includes military support, dispatching "Peace Corps" volunteers, and so on. Currently, there are about 80000 overseas Chinese residing in the United States.

In May 2013, US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus visited Tang. In June, the US led "2013 Pacific Partnership" operation was held in Tang, and the US warship "Pearl Harbor" visited Tang. In April 2014, Commander of the US Pacific Command, Lokolil, visited Tonga and met with Prime Minister Tuivacano. He reached an agreement with Tonga to establish a national partnership between Nevada and Tonga. At the end of July 2014, the "Pacific Angels" operation led by the United States was held on the islands of Tongwawu and Hapai, providing humanitarian medical services to the local Tongpeople. In August 2022, US Deputy Secretary of State Sherman visited Tang. In September, Prime Minister Tang visited the United States to attend the first US Pacific Island Leaders' Summit. In May 2023, the United States announced the opening of its embassy in Tonga. In July, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Tang. In September, Prime Minister Tang visited the United States to attend the second United States Pacific Islands Forum Summit.

In 1970, diplomatic relations were established between Japan and Japan, with both sides having embassies. Japan is an important trading partner and aid country for soup, and a major export market for soup pumpkin and tuna. In May 2015, Prime Minister Tang visited Japan to attend the 7th Japan Pacific Island Leaders' Meeting. In July 2015, Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife attended the coronation ceremony of King Tupou VI in Tang. In May 2018, Deputy Prime Minister Tang and Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism, Sika, went to Japan to attend the 8th Japan Pacific Islands Leaders' Meeting (PALM8).

Maintain traditional relations with the United Kingdom. The UK had established a High Commissioner's Office in Tangshan for nearly a century, but due to adjustments in its overseas offices, the office was officially closed on April 1, 2006, and the affairs of Tangshan were taken over by the UK High Commissioner's Office in New Zealand. The Queen of England visited Tang three times in the last century. In March 2012, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, attended the funeral of King Tupou V in Tangshan, UK. In May, King Tupou VI and his wife of Tonga went to the UK to attend the 60th anniversary celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. In October 2013 and February 2015, King Tupou VI and his wife visited the United Kingdom.

The two countries signed the Treaty of Friendship between France and Tonga as early as 1855. France has an honorary consul in Tang. France provides military supplies to Tang irregularly, and French warships often visit Tang. In May 2015, the French warship "Portuguese Moon" visited Tang.

The EU has several aid projects in Tang. The European Union once established an office and temporary representative in Tonga, and since 2002, the affairs of the office have been managed by the Fiji office. The EU provided 17 million Panga in aid to Tang through the 9th EU aid program from 2002 to 2007. The 10th EU aid program from 2008 to 2013 provided € 15 million in assistance to Tang, mainly for the development of renewable energy, response to climate change, disaster prevention and mitigation, and other fields. The 11th EU aid program from 2014 to 2020 provided € 11 million in aid to Tang for the development of renewable energy.