Tonga 2006

Tonga 2006

In 2006, Tonga was a sovereign state in the Pacific Ocean. It had a population of over 100,000 people and the majority of the population practiced Christianity or traditional Polynesian beliefs. Agriculture was the main industry, with vanilla and squash being two of its major exports. According to constructmaterials, the capital city, Nuku’alofa, was home to many governmental buildings and offices. The climate in Tonga is tropical with very little rainfall during the dry season. Tourism was an important part of the economy and many people from other countries came to visit the country’s stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and crystal clear lagoons. The infrastructure in Tonga was still developing with new roads being built as well as other projects such as hydroelectric power plants. Despite its economic challenges, Tonga had made great strides since gaining independence in 1970 and was well on its way to becoming a prosperous nation.

Yearbook 2006

Tonga. In February, Tonga got its first non-noble prime minister, the people-elected former Labor and Trade Minister Feleti Sevele. According to CountryAAH, major public holidays in Tonga include Independence Day (June 4) and New Year (January 1). Crown Prince Tupouto’a, who reigned while the sick King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV was cared for abroad, was the one who deposed the Prime Minister’s Prince ‘Ulukalala Lavaka Ata and replaced him with Sevele.

“Prince of the People”, Tu’ipelehake, died in July in a traffic accident in the United States. The reform-friendly prince was in California to discuss democracy reform with exiled tongues. The prince’s wife and driver were also killed in the accident. According to many observers, Tu’ipelehake was the only one in the royal family who could build bridges between different classes of society. The Prince had long advocated a democratization of the rule of government in Tonga, and reform work had begun to gain momentum following pro-democracy demonstrations in 2005.

King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV passed away in September, aged 88 years. He died at a hospital in New Zealand where he was cared for a few months for an unknown illness. The king had ruled Tonga for 41 years and although he was popular with the people he was a conservative and was considered to slow down democratic development. Thousands of Tongans as well as government officials from 30 countries attended the funeral and a month’s grief was announced. The king’s son, 58-year-old crown prince Tupouto’a Tungi, was installed on September 11 as a successor. The new king, Tupou V, is unmarried and has no children. He appointed his little brother Prince ‘Ulukalala Lavaka Ata to the throne. Tupou V, who is much more positive about reforms than his father, promised to “accelerate change in response to the people’s desire for democracy”.

Just a month after the death of the old king, a government-appointed reform committee came up with a radical proposal. The Committee, formed after the demonstrations in 2005, recommended that all 32 MEPs should be elected in general elections. Today, the people elect only nine of the members, while the nobility nominates nine and the king fourteen. When the reform of democracy was not adopted by Parliament at the last session of the year, November 16, it led to violent demonstrations in the capital Nuku’alofa. Stores were looted, cars overturned and fires were set. At least eight people died and several buildings were destroyed, including the government office, the city’s only bank and a number of shops. An emergency was triggered and Tonga was reinforced by 150 soldiers from Australia and New Zealand to maintain calm.

The new king promised democratic elections in 2008 and major changes before that. Parliament rallied again on November 23 and adopted the electoral reform. The Prime Minister called the rattles ‘shameful’. According to the authorities, gangs were linked to pro-democracy groups that were behind the devastation and those killed were believed to belong to these gangs.

Tonga Map with Surrounding Countries

Tonga Overview

The Kingdom of Tonga, or Tonga, is an archipelago state in the South Pacific. Tonga is located east of Fiji and south of Samoa. The state includes 176 islands, of which 40 are permanently inhabited. Coconut products are the backbone of the economy. Tourists most often visit several different islands.

Malo e Lelei! Take a time travel to the interesting centuries-old culture and history of the Kingdom of Tonga. Admire the relaxed combination of deserted beaches and laid back and leisurely days in the South Sea style. Tongans are known for their kindness and you will encounter a lot of genuine smiles during your holiday. The Royal Family of Tonga lives on its main island, Tongatapu. The Haapa archipelago is suitable for those interested in environmentally friendly destinations, as well as for divers and those looking for their own barefoot paradise. The Vava’u archipelago is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the Pacific. Let the winds take you to an authentic South Sea destination.

Area: 747 km²

Population: 106,095 (estimate 7/2020)

Capital: Nukuʻalofa

Language: Tongan and English

Currency: Paʻanga (TOP)

Population: Almost the entire population is Tongan. Less than 2% of the population are European, Chinese or other Pacific residents.

Religion: Religion is a significant part of Tongan society, with the majority of the population belonging to Christian churches. 36% belong to the Methodists, 18% to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15% to the Catholic Church, 12% to the Free Church of Tonga, and 7% to the Church of Tonga.

Form of government: Monarchy