Tonga
Tonga
- Capital
- Nuku'alofa
- Population
- 105,697
- Region
- Oceania
- Languages
- English, Tonga (Tonga Islands)
Tonga is the only Pacific nation that was never formally colonized by a foreign power, maintaining its own indigenous monarchy throughout the era of European expansion. It is also the first country in the world to experience the new day each morning because it sits immediately west of the International Date Line. Local custom dictates that the Sabbath is strictly observed, and almost all commercial activity and public sports are prohibited on Sundays by law. The kingdom is also famous for its 'flying foxes,' large fruit bats that are considered the property of the king and cannot be harmed.
Currency
The official currency is the Paʻanga, denoted by the ISO code TOP. It was introduced in 1967 to replace the Tongan pound, and its name is derived from a local word for a bean-like vine seed that was historically used in traditional Tongan games.
Flag symbolism
The flag of Tonga features a bold red field with a white canton in the upper hoist-side corner containing a red couped cross. Red represents the blood shed by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion, reflecting the nation's deep-rooted Christian faith. The white background of the canton symbolizes purity, while the cross itself serves as a direct testimony to the country's religious foundations. Adopted in 1875, the constitution dictates that this flag shall never be changed, ensuring its permanent status as a national symbol.
Emblem history
The Royal Coat of Arms of Tonga was designed in 1875 at the same time as the national flag and contains various symbols of the monarchy. The shield is divided into four quarters featuring three stars for the main island groups, a crown representing the King, a dove for peace, and three crossed swords symbolizing the three dynasties of kings. In the center of the shield is a six-pointed white star with a red cross, matching the national flag’s central motif. Two national flags flank the shield, and the royal motto 'God and Tonga are my Inheritance' appears on a scroll at the base.