ПОЛЕЗНЫЕ ССЫЛКИGOVERNMENT SITE Tonga on a South Pacific map is just west of the international dateline were it meets the Tropic of Cancer. From the Island of Niuafo'ou in the north Tonga stretches nearly 1000 kilometers to the Minerva Reef in the south. Tonga consists of 171 islands, spreading over 700,000 square kilometers of the South Pacific. The countries total land area is 290 square miles (750 square kilometers) located between latitude 15 to 23 S. & longitude 173 to 177 W.
Only 45 of its islands of the 171 islands are inhabited. The countries population is about 100,000; and about two thirds of its inhabitants live on the island of Tongatapu. Tonga's inhabited islands form four groups. Each group provides a distinctly different experiences to the visitor. From the hub of the capital Nuku'alofa on Tongatapu in the south; to volcanic and coral islands of the Ha'apai group; to the picturesque waterways of the Vava'u archipelago and to the remote volcanic Niuas in the far north.
Archaeologists claim Tonga has been inhabited since the 5th century BC. Tonga was first discovered by Europeans in 1616 by two Dutch navigators, Schouten and Lemaire, and by missionaries in the 1820s. The Kingdom of Tonga is a constitutional monarchy and was formerly a British protectorate. It gained independence in 1970 although it is still part of the British Commonwealth.
Estimated total population is 95,000, the majority of these living on Tongatapu, the main island.
The official language is Tongan however English is widely spoken.
Tonga's climate is pleasant and slightly cooler than that of most tropical areas. Mean annual temperature in Nuku'alofa is 23.7 C, with a mean humidity is 76%.
Although slightly cooler than most other tropical islands, casual attire is recommended for most occasions. Brief shorts, bathing suits, bikinis are fine for the beaches and pool-sides, but are frowned upon if worn in public. Tonga law prohibits any person from appearing in a public place without a shirt.
240 volts AC.
International direct dial or operator assisted telephone calls available.
Tonga has a small selection of restaurants and cafes which offer an international mix of dining choices. A variety of hotels have traditional Tongan feasts and entertainment which are a must for any visitor to Tonga.
There is a limited range of shops from clothing, supermarkets, souvenir, hardware, duty free, electrical through to engineering in Nuku'alofa, with small stores scattered throughout. Neiafu on Vava'u has a small township with local markets. Local art and crafts, especially Tapa are of a high quality (few stores accept credit cards).
There are a variety of nightspots in Tonga and a local cinema. Many of the hotels have Tongan feasts with traditional dancing, while the Tongan National Centre provides entertainment and traditional feasts regularly on week nights.
Driving: Rental car companies offices are located in Tongatapu.
Transport: The main forms of transport on Tongatapu, Vava'u and 'Eua is by bus. There are also taxis available on Tongatapu. Small freighter ferries to the outer islands depart weekly.
Nuku'alofa:
Western Island Scenic Tour includes the Royal Palace which dominates the seafront and is surrounded by magnificent Norfolk Pines, the Royal Tombs which have been the burial place of Tongan Royalty since 1893.
Eastern Island Historical Tour, Visits the site of Captain Cook's landing place in 1777 and the burial tombs of the ancient Tongan Kings which date back to 1300 BC and the Ha'amonga Trilithon which is believed to have been erected around 1200 AD and is made up of two upright coral stones.
The Pigeon's Doorway - Hulfangalupe in one of Tongatapu's scenic areas with its steep cliffs and a beautiful beach and the huge coral bridge overlooking it all.
The Blow Holes along the coastline at Houma, which has waves over 18 metres high which soar into the air through coral rocks. Nuku'alofa is one of the smallest, flattest, friendliest towns in the South Pacific, it is easy to get around because of its size either by bicycle or just a short walk.
Vava'u:
Mt Talau Walking Tour is recommended for those with a medium fitness level, which takes you to the highest point on the island of Vava'u with magnificent views of the town and the island.
Nuku Island Tour is a fantastic way to escape and relax - swim, snorkel or just laze on this perfect deserted island where you will be provided with a picnic lunch.
Panoramic Coastal Drive takes you around the west coast of Vava'u and to the village of Feletoa, Tefisi and Longomapu to experience the scenes of village life and to catch a glimpse of Port of Refuge Harbour and its stunning views.
