ABOUT TONGA:

The Kingdom of Tonga is at the Western end of the Polynesian islands between Fiji and Niue and lies on the cusp of the international dateline. It is the oldest and last remaining monarchy in Polynesia, and the only Pacific nation to have resisted colonisation by foreign powers throughout its history.

Tonga is made up of about 170 islands - 36 of which are inhabited. These are volcanic and coral islands and atolls. Weather-wise temperatures are usually mild and warm, although nights can be cool. December to March is the wet season.

The major island groups are Tongatapu and 'Eua, Ha'apai and Vava'u. Tongatapu is the capital island, a large, flat sloping atoll with huge cliffs to the south and a wide lagoon along its northern coast. As well as many ancient historical sites, Tongatapu has beautiful coral reefs, exotic caves, and amazing blowholes.

'Eua Island is hilly and forested with high cliffs and beautiful beaches. The Ha'apai Islands are largely submerged. Tofua, the largest island in the group, is an active volcano with a hot steaming lake in its crater.

The Vava'u Islands, north of Ha'apai, are hilly with dense forests and interspersed with a maze of narrow channels. It was here that explorer Captain James Cook landed in 1773. He called Tonga 'The Friendly Islands' because of his initial welcoming from the people whom he described as warm and welcoming. Little did he know that the Tongans he met were planning to take over his ship and kill his crew. Fortunately he managed to leave without this happening.

The capital of Tonga, Nuku'alofa, is based on the island of Tongatapu. Sixty percent of Tonga's population lives on this island. The government centre and Royal Palace are based here and most of Tonga's tourist facilities are based on this island.

Tonga has been inhabited for at least 3,000 years. Ancient stone structures found in Tonga are believed by archaeologists to be thousands of years old. Tonga was once the political centre of the Pacific and at one time or another colonised Samoa, Fiji, Niue and other neighbouring islands.

It was first discovered by two Dutch navigators in 1616. They were followed by Tasman, Wallis, Captain Cook, Bligh of the Bounty whose sailors mutinied in Tongan waters, and the missionaries. Formerly a British protectorate, Tonga gained its independence in 1970 and is now part of the British Commonwealth.

Today the population is around 98,000. Tonga is a constitutional monarchy ruled by King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. There are no organised political parties and the Legislative Assembly meets once a year. The Pro-Democracy Movement, formed in 1992, has been lobbying for the country to be made a democracy but this has not been successful to date.

Tonga has a distinct class system with royalty and nobility making up the privileged classes and the commoners who are at the other end of the class spectrum. It has also developed a complex family ranking system whereby the eldest female (and her descendants) are held in higher rank within the family than the brothers.