Tonga ... The archipelago of "The Friendly Islands" was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.

Location: Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand ... Terrain: most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base ... highest point: unnamed location on Kao Island 1,033 m ... Geography - note: archipelago of 170 islands (36 inhabited)

Population: 104,227 (July 2001 est.) Nationality: noun: Tongan(s) Ethnic groups: Polynesian, Europeans about 300 ... Religions: Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents) Languages: Tongan, English : can read and write Tongan and/or English

Capital: Nuku'alofa - Administrative divisions: 3 island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u ... agricultural goods, Squash, coconuts, bananas, and vanilla beans are the main crops, and agricultural exports make up two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. Tourism is the primary source of hard currency earnings

Clothing: To avoid embarrassing and offending the Tongans, visitors should dress modestly in town, keeping brief clothing for the beaches and resorts. If in doubt about what is acceptable, ask your hotelier or staff - or just observe the locals. Tongans usually dress in modest Western clothes, but add the traditional touch with a narrow length of mat wrapped around their waist. Women usually wear a 'sulu' skirt under their skirt. Many men also feel more comfortable in their wrap around 'skirts' than trousers. It is illegal for men not to wear a shirt in public places. Brief attire is considered offensive to Tongans, unless it is on the beach. .