Tonga

Introduction to Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga is an archipelago in the southern Pacific Ocean, about a third of the way between New Zealand and Hawaii. It lies south of Samoa and east of Fiji.

Tonga was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845 by the ambitious young warrior, strategist, and orator Taufa'ahau. He held the chiefly title of Tu'i Kanokupolu, but was baptised with the name King George. In 1875, with the help of missionary Shirley Baker, he declared Tonga a constitutional monarchy, at which time he emancipated the 'serfs', enshrined a code of law, land tenure, and freedom of the press, and limited the power of the chiefs. Tonga became a British protected state under a Treaty of Friendship on 18 May 1900, when European settlers and rival Tongan chiefs tried to oust the second king. The Treaty of Friendship and protected state status ended in 1970 under arrangements established prior to her death by the third monarch, Queen Salote. Tonga joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970, and the United Nations in 1999. While exposed to colonial forces, Tonga has never lost indigenous governance, a fact that makes Tonga unique in the Pacific and gives Tongans much pride, as well as confidence in the monarchal system. The British High Commission in Tonga is scheduled to close in 2005.

Cultural notes about Tonga

Tongan culture stretches over a period of 6000 years ago to modern day. Tongan life and culture is largely based upon is based upon fishing,trading, and Polynesian traditions. Since European arrival the Free Wesleyan Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have heavily influenced the culture. The Catholic Church has a somewhat smaller presence, though some members of the royal family have had connections to it.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Tonga

Most Canadian visitors to Tonga do not experience problems. There are no serious security or safety concerns. Petty crime is prevalent. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.