Tonga is an
archipelago of 172 islands in the South Pacific about
two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand., most of which are
uninhabited, covering an area of 7700 sq km (3000 sq miles). The major
island groups are Tongatapu and 'Eua,
Ha'apai and Vava'u.
The timeworn traditions of the South Pacific are better preserved here
than elsewhere in Polynesia: traditional dancing is actively practiced
and quality handicrafts are made. Most people still make a living from
fishing or gardening, and only in American Samoa has consumerism really
caught on. Superimposed on this hierarchical society is an austere 19th
century brand of Christianity in which the old Polynesian taboos have
been grafted onto narrow Protestant piety. Tonga and Samoa form the core
of the South Pacific Bible Belt.
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.Tonga,
Samoa, and Niue lie astride the international dateline in the heart of
the South Pacific. Together they comprise Western or "old" Polynesia,
settled by Austronesian migrants over three thousand years ago. Today
Tonga and Samoa are fully independent states, while American Samoa is a
U.S. dependency and Niue is associated with New Zealand.
This region is a bedrock of Polynesian tradition where the indigenous
chiefs (called nobles in Tonga) still wield decisive political power.
These are only semi-democracies: in Tonga the king and nobles remain
firmly in control, in Samoa only chiefs may be elected to parliament,
and in American Samoa the elected government operates by the grace of
federal officials in Washington.
The full spectrum of South Seas landforms is found here. Tonga's
high volcanic and low coral forms give
the islands a unique character Most of Tonga consists of coral islands
though a number of active volcanoes
are scattered around the chain.
Tongatapu and Vava'u are elevated while coconut-covered Ha'apai consists
of the sandy strips typical of oceanic atolls. Niue is Polynesia's
biggest uplifted atoll. In contrast, Samoa is volcanic - Savai'i is the
largest island in Polynesia outside of Hawaii and New Zealand. Upolu is
much older, as is American Samoa with its towering peaks deeply cut by
great bays and high cliffs battered by the southeast tradewinds.
Nuku'alofa is the capital and home of the Royal Palace.
The grounds are decorated with tropical shrubs and flowers.Other
major centres are Eua island, an ideal retreat for hikers, adventurers
and naturalists, and Vava'u island which has two beautiful beaches on
the main island and a scenic drive around the west coast with stunning
views of Port of Refuge Harbour and the numerous outer islands. he
Mala'ekula (Royal Tombs) are situated in the southern part of the
business district along Taufa'ahau Road. Other sights include : The
Anahulu Cave, an underground cavern of stalactites and stalagmites near
the beach of the same name Local staples are 'ufi (a large white yam)
and taro.
Ha'apai island is a favourite with visitors who are invited to stay in
the village and participate in all aspects of village life from 'kava'
ceremonies, feasting and dancing to hunting 'feke' octopus with village
fishermen in outrigger canoes.
"Text from David Stanley's Moon
Handbooks: Tonga-Samoa
http://www.southpacific.org/tonga.html used with permission"
