Traditional wear such as ta'ovala, a woven mat worn around the waist, can be found in local markets. Tonga's economy is characterised by a large nonmonetary sector and a heavy dependence on remittances from the half of the country's population who live abroad (chiefly in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States). The elected minister of labour, Feleti Sevele, replaced him in the interim. [80], According to the government portal, Tongans, Polynesian by ethnicity with a mixture of Melanesian, represent more than 98% of the inhabitants. Squash, coconuts, bananas, and vanilla beans constitute the main cash crops, and other important crops include yams, taro, cassava, corn (maize), watermelons, pineapples, breadfruit, limes, and tomatoes.All land is essentially owned by the Tongan monarchy, but large estates have been divided among the country's nobles. No additional service or support is provided. Short-term rentals are also a popular option in Tonga, especially for visitors who plan to stay for a few weeks or longer. The sandy, rocky, dry soils of the coasts and the direct exposure there to strong winds and salty spray create unfavourable conditions for coastal vegetation. 0.0161002. [16], According to Tongan mythology, the demigod Maui drew up a group of islands from the ocean, first appearing Tongatapu, the Ha'apai Islands and Vava'u, integrating into what became modern-day Tonga.[17]. The 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups were Tonga's most successful to date, both winning two out of four matches and in a running chance for the quarterfinals. Some Tongans reside in South Seas colonial-style wooden homes with gingerbread trim and exterior walls in pastel shades. In addition to homes, there are also options for investors looking to purchase land for development. In the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Tonga recorded wins against Ireland and Scotland. Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area. Tonga's relations with Oceania's regional powers, Australia and New Zealand, are good.[51]. Ahoeitu Unuakiotonga Tukuaho (Lavaka Ata Uluklala), South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, countries listed by mean body mass index data, "Report for Selected Countries and Subjects", "Tonga Population 2021 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs)", United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, "World Population Prospects 2022: Demographic indicators by region, subregion and country, annually for 1950-2100", "High precision U/Th dating of first Polynesian settlement", "The history of the Constitution of Tonga", "FSM welcomed Kiribati, Nauru and Tonga to UN family", "Tonga Was Never Colonised, So Why Does It Feel So Colonised? However, visitors should be aware that driving in Tonga is on the left-hand side of the road, and the condition of some roads can be challenging. Licensure criteria include 80% ownership by Tongans living in the country. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The first of these on record is the Ann and Hope, which was reported to have been seen among the islands of Tonga in June 1799. Summer Dress in a Chain Store Like George, H&M, Zara, etc. How much money does a person working in Tonga make? Owing to its British ties, Tonga joined the Commonwealth in 1970 (atypically as a country that had its own monarch, rather than having the United Kingdom's monarch, along with Malaysia, Lesotho, and Eswatini). Primary education between ages 6 and 14 is compulsory and free in state schools. On 5 July 2006, a driver in Menlo Park, California, caused the deaths of Prince Tuipelehake Uluvalu, his wife, and their driver. Most levels of higher education are pursued overseas. Traditional structures are called fale; they are rectangular in shape and have thatched or corrugated tin roofs and sides made of woven coconut leaves, reeds, or timber. Despite the range in prices, the real estate market in Tonga is relatively stable and offers ample opportunities for aspiring homeowners and investors. The latter was supported by some 160 signatures, including seven of the nine elected, "People's Representatives". The prodemocracy movement in Tonga promotes reforms, including better representation in the Parliament for the majority of commoners, and better accountability in matters of state. In total, the changes threatened to destabilise the polity, fragment support for the status quo, and place further pressure on the monarchy. "How Much Money YouTubers Make and Earn in a Month for Views" ( https://businessinsider.com/how-much-do-youtubers-make ) 30 Jun 2023 00:27:25 If you're planning a visit to Tonga, there are a variety of short stay options available to suit all budgets and preferences. The Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, incorporated in 1996, endeavours to represent the interests of its members, private sector businesses, and to promote economic growth in the Kingdom. [20] The last known whaling visitor was the Albatross in 1899. Aside from rugby, Tonga has also produced athletes who have competed at both the Summer and Winter Olympics. Below, you'll find Tongan Pa'anga rates and a currency converter. It was a thalassocracy that conquered and controlled unprecedented swathes of the Pacific, from parts of the Solomon Islands and the whole of New Caledonia and Fiji in the west to Samoa and Niue and even as far as parts of modern-day French Polynesia in the east. Police Officer salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location. Muslims in Tonga belong to Sunni denomination. In the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Tonga won its first two matches, against the USA 2515, and Samoa 1915. The average cost of living in Tonga ($958) is 57% less expensive than in the United States ($2213).Tonga ranked 79th vs 5th for the United States in the list of the most expensive countries in the world.. In December 2021, an eruption began on Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haapai, a submarine volcano in the Tongan archipelago in the southern Pacific Ocean. [75], In view of the decreasing reliability of fossil-fuel electricity generation, its increasing costs, and negative environmental side effects, renewable energy solutions have attracted the government's attention. The Tongan Pa'anga is the currency of Tonga. Many Tongans have emigrated to Australia, New Zealand, or the United States to seek employment and a higher standard of living. They have since appeared in each subsequent Rugby League World Cup tournament. A small, growing construction sector is developing in response to the inflow of aid money and remittances from Tongans abroad. Beware of bad exchange rates.Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. "Damageattributed to the volcanic impact was 80 per cent, whereas damageattributed to the tsunami was 20 per cent.". Temperatures of 15C (59F) or lower are usually measured in the dry season and are more frequent in southern Tonga than in the northern islands. However, the cost of living is also generally lower, making it an affordable destination for travelers. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. The royal family and the nobles dominate and largely own the monetary sector of the economy particularly the telecommunications and satellite services. More cattle are being raised, and beef imports are declining. 1kg (2.2 pounds) of chicken: TOP$4.50; 1kg (2.2 pounds) of beef mince: TOP$10; 1kg (2.2 pounds) of pork: TOP$10; 1kg (2.2 pounds) of mutton: TOP$13-$14; Bag of fish (6-8 fish): TOP$40-$50; 300g (12 ounces) of corned beef: TOP$10.30; For more advice on supermarkets in Tonga, see Food Shopping in Tonga. "We have to date delivered 220 tonnes of relief supplies, they've principallycome by air," ADFLieutenant General Greg Bilton told the ABC. Preschools and kindergartens are the most popular choice for parents who have young kids. Just before the 2017 World Cup, various high-profile players, led by Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita, defected from their tier one nations to represent their nation of heritage. For those traveling between islands, ferry services are also available, providing a scenic and enjoyable way to explore more of Tonga. See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. The Tongan language is taught in primary schools and is the official language, in addition to English, which is studied as a second language. According to the CIA World Factbook, The Tongan economy's base is agriculture, which contributes 30% to GDP. Temperatures range between 60 and 70 F (16 and 21 C) in June and July and reach 80 F (27 C) in December and January. In 2005, the government spent several weeks negotiating with striking civil-service workers before reaching a settlement. The eruption affected the kingdom heavily, cutting off most communications[27] and killing four people in Tonga, including a British national who ran an animal shelter and died trying to save her dogs. Australia is one of several countries from across the region providing aid to Tonga. At club level, there are the Datec Cup Provincial Championship and the Pacific Rugby Cup. The World Bank's post-disaster damage assessment was conducted to help Tonga's government and its partners direct support for recovery, reconstruction and policy. Tonga, officially Kingdom of Tonga, Tongan Fakatui o Tonga, also called Friendly Islands, country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. To give you an idea of how much it costs to fly in Tonga, here are a few examples of popular routes and how much they typically cost. 0.208382. Isolated islands include Niuafoou, Niuatoputapu, and Tafahi (together known as the Niuatoputapu, or Niuas, island group) in the far north and Ata in the far south. [58], Tonga contains the Tongan tropical moist forests terrestrial ecoregion. Clothing and shoes in Tonga can vary in prices depending on the quality, brand, and place of purchase. The average after-tax salary is enough to cover living expenses for 0.8 months in Tonga compared to 1.9 months in the United States. Tonga (/t/, /t/;[a] Tongan:[toa]), officially the Kingdom of Tonga (Tongan: Puleanga Fakatui o Tonga), is a Polynesian country and an archipelago. Our currency rankings show that the most popular Tongan Pa'anga exchange rate is the TOP to USD rate. squash, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee, ginger, black pepper; fish, In addition to smaller productions of other agricultural products. The Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency was established in Tonga in 2016 to advise the private sector on related policy matters, provide capacity development and promote business investment. [96] The Tongan diaspora retains close ties to relatives at home,[97] and a significant portion of Tonga's income derives from remittances[98][99] to family members (often aged) who prefer to remain in Tonga. The islands most regularly visited by Westerners were Ata, 'Eua, Ha'apai, Tongatapu and Vava'u. Phiva, however, had been subjected to harassment in the form of barratry (frequent lawsuits).[44]. Located in Oceania, Tonga is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, directly south of Samoa and about two-thirds of the way from Hawai'i to New Zealand. In 1867, the British HMS Falcon confirmed it was a coral reef. The US said in a statement on Wednesday that it would provide an additional $2.5m in humanitarian assistance to the country through the US Agency for International Development. However, some kindergartens may require some sort of fees, but the prices are generally affordable. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. [18] Scholars still debate exactly when Tonga was first settled, but thorium dating confirms that settlers had arrived in the earliest known inhabited town, Nukuleka, by 888 BC, 8 years. Substantial progress has been made, but much work remains to be done. Check out more money-saving tips for flights in How Much Does it Cost to Fly in Tonga? The highest temperature recorded in Tonga was 35C (95F) on 11 February 1979 in Vava'u. [79], Over 70% of the 106,017[8][9] inhabitants live on its main island, Tongatapu. 3 The United Kingdom looked after Tonga's foreign affairs under a Treaty of Friendship, but Tonga never relinquished its sovereignty to any foreign power. Where travelers are coming from has a significant impact on how much it will cost to go to Tonga. Overall, the real estate market in Tonga offers a diverse range of buying options at competitive prices, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences. This is for informational purposes only. Most of the Tongan population lives in the three major island groups, and nearly three-fourths live on Tongatapu Island. An overthrow of the monarchy is not part of the movement, and the institution of monarchy continues to hold popular support, even while reforms are advocated. Search any location in Australia to find nearby active incidents, Stay up-to-date with local coverage on ABC Radio, the emergency broadcaster. There is also a small amount of Melanesian influence through contact with Fiji. As of 2001[update], two-thirds of agricultural land was in root crops.[70]. When traveling around Tonga, visitors have several transportation options to choose from. 2 The payment method you're using using a debit card or a credit card to fund your transfers is usually the quickest, but can come with an extra cost. Credit cards are not widely accepted, especially outside of major tourist areas, so it's important to carry cash when traveling in Tonga. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. However, the country remains largely dependent on imports, which may make certain items expensive. Criticism of the monarch is held to be contrary to Tongan culture and etiquette. [57] The tropical cyclone season currently runs from 1 November to 30 April, though tropical cyclones can form and affect Tonga outside of the season. Last week, China committed more than 100 trucks and excavatorsto help accelerate the recovery. They hold the body of academic knowledge created by their scholars in high esteem and the Kuk Kaunaka Collection, which comprises every doctoral and master's dissertation written by any Tongan in any country is archived by Seu'ula Johansson-Fua at the Institute for Education in Tonga.[92]. Furthermore, the quality and freshness of goods can also affect prices. Tonga perform the Ikale Tahi war dance or Sipi Tau (a form of Kailao) before all their matches. A lifeline for Tongans Four out of five Tongan households receive remittances from abroad. The Tonga Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcanic eruption, tsunami and ashfall has caused an estimated US$90.4M (TOP 208 million) in damages - the equivalent of approximately 18.5% of Tonga's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - a World Bank assessment for the Government of Tonga has found. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). The country stretches approximately 800km (500mi) north-south. SUVA, January 20, 2021 The World Bank will provide an initial US$8 million emergency funding to support the Kingdom of Tonga's response and recovery following the devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami on January 15. These rentals are often fully furnished and equipped with modern amenities, giving you all the comforts of home during your stay. With a population of 122,580, the population density is 163.88 people per square kilometre. Before the arrival of European explorers in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Tongans had frequent contacts with their nearest Oceanic neighbours, Fiji and Niue. Tonga provides for its citizens a free and mandatory education for all, secondary education with only nominal fees, and foreign-funded scholarships for postsecondary education. In addition to the success of the national team, many players of Tongan descent make it big in the Australian National Rugby League competition. Nevertheless, by picking up third place in their pool games behind South Africa and England, Tonga earned automatic qualification for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Tonga has contributed troops and police to the Bougainville conflict in Papua-New Guinea and to the Australian-led RAMSI force in the Solomon Islands. The Vavau Group has hills ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet (150 to 300 metres), and Late Island, in its western volcanic chain, rises to 1,700 feet (518 metres). "The Tongan community have been extremely resilient in clearing the debris, making their home safe, trying to get back to life as normal as it can be, and as soon as possible," Ms Latu said. Tonga maintains strong regional ties in the Pacific. The country's international underwater fibre optic cable is still out of action and communications within Tonga remainstrained, after the eruption broke the connection in two places. Another popular activity in Tonga is hiking. Tuipelehake, 55, was the cochairman of the constitutional reform commission, and a nephew of the king. The manufacturing sector consists of handicrafts and a few other very small-scale industries, which contribute only about 5% of GDP. In mid-2003, the government passed a radical constitutional amendment to "Tonganize" the press, by licensing and limiting freedom of the press, so as to protect the image of the monarchy. Contemporary Tongans often have strong ties to overseas lands. Tonga's only Olympic medal came from the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where Paea Wolfgramm won silver in super heavyweight boxing. For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, there are many upscale restaurants and hotels that offer fine dining options. ", "Tonga: Tsunami waves hit Pacific country after huge underwater volcano eruption", "Prime Minister defends Deputy's 'no sirens' reply as tsunami death toll rises to four", "Two women drown in Peru because of Tonga volcano", "An undersea cable fault could cut Tonga from the rest of the world for weeks", "Elon Musk's Starlink helping restore Tongan internet as virus outbreak grows", "Musk's Starlink connects remote Tonga villages still cut off after tsunami", "Cooks bill puts spotlight on Pacific's anti-gay laws", "Societal Abuses, Discrimination, and Acts of Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Tonga", Tonga's king tricked by Korean sea water to natural gas scam, "No Govt Support Blamed for Airline Collapse", "Tongan Court Case Over Wrongful Imprisonment Recommences", "Rioting crowd leaves leaves trail of wreckage in Nuku'alofa", "Tonga crowns King Tupou VI in lavish public coronation, parties", "Meth, Vanilla and 'Gulags': How China Has Overtaken the South Pacific One Island at a Time", "Tongan Marines return safely for Christmas", "Tongan troops to work with UK and other ISAF forces in Afghanistan", Population Census 2006: Population size, Trend, Distribution and Structure, "Climate Guides Plan Your Ideal Holiday Trip", https://weltrisikobericht.de/weltrisikobericht-2021-e/, "An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm", "Kingdom of Tonga: Safe Haven for Flying Foxes", "In Pictures: The World's Most Corrupt Countries", "Manufacturing, value added (% of GDP) - Tonga", "FP090 Tonga Renewable Energy Project under the Pacific Islands Renewable Energy Investment Program", "Tonga on track to reach renewable energy target", "South Pacific's Biggest Solar Plant to Help Tonga Meet Renewable Energy Target", "Tonga Energy Press Release: IRENA signing, a milestone for Tonga's renewable energy plans", "Editorial: Racist moves will rebound on Tonga", "Flight chartered to evacuate Chinese in Tonga", "Chinas World Wide Web: Overseas Chinese in the South Pacific", "Tonga 2011 Census of Population and Housing", "Pacific island nations battle obesity epidemic", Welcome to the town that will make you lose weight, "Tonga reports its first-ever COVID-19 case", "King Tupou VI commissions Kuk Kaunaka Collection", "New Zealand's population reflects growing diversity | Stats NZ", "The ties that bind: stories from the Tongan diaspora", "Tonga's Proud Diaspora Confronts Daunting Challenge of Disaster Response", Determinants of Remittances: Evidence from Tonga, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tonga&oldid=1162638511, This page was last edited on 30 June 2023, at 09:40. Salaries range from 530 TOP (lowest) to 1,820 TOP (highest). The country has a mix of local markets, boutiques, and international clothing stores. Once enough rain falls on Tonga, volcanicash couldhelp rejuvenate the country's soil and is already being collected for building materials. The Price of Meat in Tonga. Tonga does not have an official state religion. [67], Tonga's postage stamps, featuring colourful and often unusual designs (including heart-shaped and banana-shaped stamps), are popular with philatelists.[68]. Horses are kept for draft purposes, primarily by farmers working their api uta (a plot of bushland). Until recently, the governance issue was generally ignored by the leaders of other countries, but major aid donors and neighbours New Zealand and Australia are now expressing concerns about some Tongan government actions. The amendment was defended by the government and by royalists on the basis of traditional cultural values. When it comes to financing, Tonga's currency is the Pa'anga, which is tied to the Australian dollar. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The TOP reached a high of 2.4107 TOP per USD and a low of 2.3718 TOP per USD during the last 90 days. Tonga is about 1,800km (1,100mi) from New Zealand's North Island. What type of money does Tonga use? Later, other Dutch explorers arrived, including Jacob Le Maire (who visited the northern island of Niuatoputapu); and Abel Tasman (who visited Tongatapu and Haapai) in 1643. Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haapai is 65 kilometres (40 mi) north of Tongatapu, the country's main island, and is part of the highly active Tonga-Kermadec . Nevertheless, locals enjoy fresh seafood, meats, and locally-grown produce, making for a healthy and affordable diet. Island cliffs serve as homes for red-tailed and white-tailed tropic birds. The prices of these rentals can also vary, but they are generally more affordable than traditional hotels or resorts, making them a great option for budget-conscious travelers or those looking for a more authentic local experience. ATMs are available in the main towns, but travelers may want to carry some cash with them for smaller purchases or in case of emergency. In 2018, commercial fishing vessels landed about 5.2 million metric tons of the seven species, with an estimated dock valuethe amount paid to fishersof $11.7 billion. The World Bank's report said about600 buildings across Tonga were damaged or destroyed by the tsunami. A Polynesian language, it is closely related to Wallisian (Uvean), Niuean, and Hawai'ian. Additionally, fuel stations can be few and far between, so its important to plan accordingly. It is a full member of the Pacific Islands Forum, the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission, the South Pacific Tourism Organisation, the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. Wang denies that China is in a Pacific power struggle with the West. The Tongan people first encountered Europeans in 1616, when the Dutch vessel Eendracht, captained by Willem Schouten, made a short visit to the islands for the purpose of engaging in trade. 1. Click here to calculate cost-of-living estimate in Tonga. This led to them defeating New Zealand in Hamilton at Waikato Stadium on 11 November at that tournament. "World Economic Outlook Database, October 2019", "Tonga commits to achieve 70% renewable energy target by 2030", "Tonga solar farm online after PSDI's PPP assistance", "Tonga's first large-scale battery systems take country closer to achieving NDC climate targets", "Renewable energy project installing solar power systems on nine outer islands", Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, Special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China, Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, 2022 Hunga TongaHunga Haapai eruption and tsunami, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Economy_of_Tonga&oldid=1121660898, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, agriculture 31.8%, industry 30.6%, services 37.6% (2003 est. Tongan involvement concluded at the end of 2008 with no reported loss of life. However, a previous heavy defeat by the All Blacks at the tournament's opener (4110) and a subsequent tight defeat by Canada (2520) meant that Tonga lost out to France (who also lost to NZ) for the quarter finals due to 2 bonus points and a points difference of 46.
Describe What The Service Line Is For Cdl,
Articles H