Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Tonga
CapitalNukuʻalofa
Population103,742
GDP$679.2m
Area749 km²
RegionEast Asia & Pacific
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
The first humans arrived in Tonga around 1000 B.C. The islands’ politics were highly centralized under the Tu’i Tonga, or Tongan king, by A.D. 950, and by 1200, the Tu’i Tonga had expanded his influence throughout Polynesia and into Melanesia and Micronesia. The Tongan Empire began to decline in the 1300s, with civil wars, a military defeat to Samoa, and internal political strife. By the mid-1500s, some Tu’i Tongans were ethnic Samoan, and day-to-day administration of Tonga was transferred to a new position occupied by ethnic Tongans.
Dutch navigators explored the islands in the 1600s, followed by the British in the 1770s, who named them the Friendly Islands. Between 1799 and 1852 Tonga went through a period of war and disorder. In the 1830s, a low-ranking chief from Ha’apai began to consolidate control over the islands and was crowned King George TUPOU I in 1845, establishing the only still-extant Polynesian monarchy. During TUPOU's reign (1845–93), Tonga became a unified and independent country with a modern constitution (1875), legal code, and administrative structure. In separate treaties, Germany (1876), Great Britain (1879), and the US (1888) recognized Tonga’s independence. His son and successor, King George TUPOU II, agreed to enter a protectorate agreement with the UK in 1900 after rival Tongan chiefs tried to overthrow him. As a protectorate, Tonga never completely lost its indigenous governance, but it did become more isolated and the social hierarchy became more stratified between a group of nobles and a large class of commoners. Today, about one third of parliamentary seats are reserved for nobles.
Tonga regained full control of domestic and foreign affairs and became a fully independent nation within the Commonwealth in 1970. A pro-democracy movement gained steam in the early 2000s, led by ‘Akilisi POHIVA, and in 2006, riots broke out in Nuku’alofa to protest the lack of progress on reform. To appease the activists, in 2008, King George TUPOU V announced he was relinquishing most of his powers leading up to parliamentary elections in 2010 and henceforth most of the monarch’s governmental decisions, except those relating to the judiciary, were to be made in consultation with the prime minister. The 2010 Legislative Assembly was called Tonga’s first democratically elected Parliament. King George TUPOU V died in 2012 and was succeeded by his brother Crown Prince Tupouto‘a Lavaka who ruled as George TUPOU VI. In 2015, ‘Akalisi POHIVA became Tonga’s first non-noble prime minister.
Reference: 2015, 2012, 2010, 2008Dutch navigators explored the islands in the 1600s, followed by the British in the 1770s, who named them the Friendly Islands. Between 1799 and 1852 Tonga went through a period of war and disorder. In the 1830s, a low-ranking chief from Ha’apai began to consolidate control over the islands and was crowned King George TUPOU I in 1845, establishing the only still-extant Polynesian monarchy. During TUPOU's reign (1845–93), Tonga became a unified and independent country with a modern constitution (1875), legal code, and administrative structure. In separate treaties, Germany (1876), Great Britain (1879), and the US (1888) recognized Tonga’s independence. His son and successor, King George TUPOU II, agreed to enter a protectorate agreement with the UK in 1900 after rival Tongan chiefs tried to overthrow him. As a protectorate, Tonga never completely lost its indigenous governance, but it did become more isolated and the social hierarchy became more stratified between a group of nobles and a large class of commoners. Today, about one third of parliamentary seats are reserved for nobles.
Tonga regained full control of domestic and foreign affairs and became a fully independent nation within the Commonwealth in 1970. A pro-democracy movement gained steam in the early 2000s, led by ‘Akilisi POHIVA, and in 2006, riots broke out in Nuku’alofa to protest the lack of progress on reform. To appease the activists, in 2008, King George TUPOU V announced he was relinquishing most of his powers leading up to parliamentary elections in 2010 and henceforth most of the monarch’s governmental decisions, except those relating to the judiciary, were to be made in consultation with the prime minister. The 2010 Legislative Assembly was called Tonga’s first democratically elected Parliament. King George TUPOU V died in 2012 and was succeeded by his brother Crown Prince Tupouto‘a Lavaka who ruled as George TUPOU VI. In 2015, ‘Akalisi POHIVA became Tonga’s first non-noble prime minister.
Geography
Location
Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Map references
Oceania
Area
total: 747 sq km
land: 717 sq km
water: 30 sq km
land: 717 sq km
water: 30 sq km
Area - comparative
four times the size of Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
419 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December)
Terrain
mostly flat islands with limestone bedrock formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic rock
Elevation
highest point: Kao Volcano on Kao Island 1,046 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources
arable land, fish
Land use
agricultural land: 48.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 27.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 15.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 5.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 12.1% (2023 est.)
other: 39.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 27.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 15.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 5.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 12.1% (2023 est.)
other: 39.3% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Population distribution
over two thirds of the population lives on the island of Tongatapu; only 45 of the nation's 171 islands are occupied
Natural hazards
cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou
volcanism: moderate volcanic activity; Fonualei (180 m) has had frequent activity in recent years, and Niuafo'ou (260 m) has forced evacuations; other historically active volcanoes include Late and Tofua
volcanism: moderate volcanic activity; Fonualei (180 m) has had frequent activity in recent years, and Niuafo'ou (260 m) has forced evacuations; other historically active volcanoes include Late and Tofua
Geography - note
the western islands (making up the Tongan Volcanic Arch) are all of volcanic origin; the eastern islands are nonvolcanic and are composed of coral limestone and sand
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Tongan(s)
adjective: Tongan
adjective: Tongan
Ethnic groups
Tongan 96.5%, other (European, Fijian, Samoan, Indian, Chinese, other Pacific Islander, other Asian, other) 3.5% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Languages
Tongan only 85%, Tongan and other language 13.9%, Tongan not used at home 1.1% (2021 est.)
note: note: data represent language use at home of persons aged 5 and older
Reference: 2021note: note: data represent language use at home of persons aged 5 and older
Religions
Protestant 63.9% (Free Wesleyan Church 34.2%, Free Church of Tonga 11.3%, Church of Tonga 6.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.5%, Assembly of God 2.5%, Tokaikolo/Maamafo'ou 1.5%, Constitutional Church of Tonga 1.2%, other Protestant 4%), Church of Jesus Christ 19.7%, Roman Catholic 13.7%, other 2.1%, none 0.6%, no answer 0.1% (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Age structure
0-14 years: 29.3% (male 15,627/female 15,142)
15-64 years: 63.2% (male 33,445/female 32,867)
65 years and over: 7.4% (2024 est.) (male 3,534/female 4,274)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 63.2% (male 33,445/female 32,867)
65 years and over: 7.4% (2024 est.) (male 3,534/female 4,274)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 58.2 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 46.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 11.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 46.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 11.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.5 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 25.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 25.4 years
female: 26.4 years
Reference: 2024male: 25.4 years
female: 26.4 years
Population growth rate
-0.34% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
19.7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
over two thirds of the population lives on the island of Tongatapu; only 45 of the nation's 171 islands are occupied
Major urban areas - population
23,000 NUKU'ALOFA (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
24.9 years (2012 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2012note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
67 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.3 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.01 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Reference: 2021Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
48.2% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.11 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.11 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 30.5% (2025 est.)
male: 46.1% (2025 est.)
female: 15.8% (2025 est.)
male: 46.1% (2025 est.)
female: 15.8% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
0.8% (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Currently married women (ages 15-49)
54.9% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0.4% (2019)
women married by age 18: 10.1% (2019)
men married by age 18: 2.8% (2019)
Reference: 2019women married by age 18: 10.1% (2019)
men married by age 18: 2.8% (2019)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 18 years (2020 est.)
male: 16 years (2020 est.)
female: 19 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020male: 16 years (2020 est.)
female: 19 years (2020 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Fatafehi Fakafānua, 8th Lord Fakafānua | — | 2025-12-18 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Tupou VI of Tonga | — | 2012-03-18 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga
conventional short form: Tonga
local long form: Pule'anga Fakatu'i 'o Tonga
local short form: Tonga
former: Friendly Islands
etymology: the name is of local origin and is said to mean "island;" the former name, the Friendly Islands, came from Captain James COOK in 1773, based on the welcome he received from the inhabitants
conventional short form: Tonga
local long form: Pule'anga Fakatu'i 'o Tonga
local short form: Tonga
former: Friendly Islands
etymology: the name is of local origin and is said to mean "island;" the former name, the Friendly Islands, came from Captain James COOK in 1773, based on the welcome he received from the inhabitants
Government type
constitutional monarchy
Capital
name: Nuku'alofa
geographic coordinates: 21 08 S, 175 12 W
time difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in November; ends second Sunday in January
etymology: name is said to be composed of the local words nuku, meaning "residence or abode," and alofa, meaning "love;" it may also mean "the south," describing Tonga's position in relation to most other Polynesian islands
geographic coordinates: 21 08 S, 175 12 W
time difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in November; ends second Sunday in January
etymology: name is said to be composed of the local words nuku, meaning "residence or abode," and alofa, meaning "love;" it may also mean "the south," describing Tonga's position in relation to most other Polynesian islands
Administrative divisions
5 island divisions; 'Eua, Ha'apai, Ongo Niua, Tongatapu, Vava'u
Legal system
English common law
Constitution
history: adopted 4 November 1875, revised 1988, 2016
amendment process: proposed by the Legislative Assembly; passage requires approval by the Assembly in each of three readings, the unanimous approval of the Privy Council (a high-level advisory body to the monarch), the Cabinet, and assent to by the monarch
Reference: 2016, 1988amendment process: proposed by the Legislative Assembly; passage requires approval by the Assembly in each of three readings, the unanimous approval of the Privy Council (a high-level advisory body to the monarch), the Cabinet, and assent to by the monarch
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Tonga; if a child is born out of wedlock, the mother must be a citizen of Tonga
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Tonga; if a child is born out of wedlock, the mother must be a citizen of Tonga
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
21 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King TUPOU VI (since 18 March 2012)
head of government: Prime Minister Aisake Valu EKE (since 22 January 2025)
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime minister indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly and appointed by the monarch
most recent election date: 24 December 2024
election results: 2024: Aisake Valu EKE elected prime minsiter by the Legislative Assembly; Aisake Valu EKE (Independent) 16 votes, Viliami LATU (Independent) 8
2021: Siaosi SOVALENI elected prime minister by the Legislative Assembly; Siaosi SOVALENI 16 votes, Aisake EKE 10
note: note: a Privy Council advises the monarch
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2021, 2012head of government: Prime Minister Aisake Valu EKE (since 22 January 2025)
cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime minister indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly and appointed by the monarch
most recent election date: 24 December 2024
election results: 2024: Aisake Valu EKE elected prime minsiter by the Legislative Assembly; Aisake Valu EKE (Independent) 16 votes, Viliami LATU (Independent) 8
2021: Siaosi SOVALENI elected prime minister by the Legislative Assembly; Siaosi SOVALENI 16 votes, Aisake EKE 10
note: note: a Privy Council advises the monarch
Legislative branch
legislature name: Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 30 (17 directly elected; 9 indirectly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/18/2021
percentage of women in chamber: 3.8%
expected date of next election: November 2025
Reference: 2025, 2021legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 30 (17 directly elected; 9 indirectly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/18/2021
percentage of women in chamber: 3.8%
expected date of next election: November 2025
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and a number of judges determined by the monarch)
judge selection and term of office: judge appointments and tenures made by the King in Privy Council and subject to consent of the Legislative Assembly
subordinate courts: Supreme Court; Magistrates' Courts; Land Courts
note: note: appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are brought before the King in Privy Council, the monarch's advisory organ that has both judicial and legislative powers
judge selection and term of office: judge appointments and tenures made by the King in Privy Council and subject to consent of the Legislative Assembly
subordinate courts: Supreme Court; Magistrates' Courts; Land Courts
note: note: appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are brought before the King in Privy Council, the monarch's advisory organ that has both judicial and legislative powers
Political parties
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands or DPFI or PTOA
Tonga People's Party (Paati ʻa e Kakai ʻo Tonga) or PAK or TPPI
Tonga People's Party (Paati ʻa e Kakai ʻo Tonga) or PAK or TPPI
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Viliana Va’inga TONE (since 20 April 2021)
chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022
telephone: [1] (917) 369-1025
FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024
email address and website: tongaconsnot@gmail.com
consulate(s) general: San Francisco
Reference: 2021chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022
telephone: [1] (917) 369-1025
FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024
email address and website: tongaconsnot@gmail.com
consulate(s) general: San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Marie DAMOUR (since 6 December 2022); note - Ambassador DAMOUR is based in the US Embassy in the Republic of Fiji and is accredited to Tonga as well as Kiribati, Nauru, and Tuvalu
embassy: although the US opened an embassy in Tonga on 9 May 2023, the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga while the Embassy is being staffed
Reference: 2023, 2022embassy: although the US opened an embassy in Tonga on 9 May 2023, the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga while the Embassy is being staffed
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate status)
Reference: 1970National holiday
Official birthday of King TUPOU VI, 4 July (1959)
note: note: the monarch's actual birthday is 12 July 1959, 4 July (2015) is the day the king was crowned; Constitution Day (National Day), 4 November (1875)
Reference: 2015, 1959note: note: the monarch's actual birthday is 12 July 1959, 4 July (2015) is the day the king was crowned; Constitution Day (National Day), 4 November (1875)
Flag
description: red with a red cross on a white rectangle in the upper-left corner
meaning: the cross stands for Christianity in Tonga, red for Christ's blood and sacrifice, and white for purity
meaning: the cross stands for Christianity in Tonga, red for Christ's blood and sacrifice, and white for purity
National symbol(s)
red cross on white field
National color(s)
red, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Ko e fasi 'o e tu'i 'o e 'Otu Tonga" (Song of the King of the Tonga Islands)
lyrics/music: Uelingatoni Ngu TUPOUMALOHI/Karl Gustavus SCHMITT
history: in use since 1874; more commonly known as "Fasi Fakafonua" (National Song)
lyrics/music: Uelingatoni Ngu TUPOUMALOHI/Karl Gustavus SCHMITT
history: in use since 1874; more commonly known as "Fasi Fakafonua" (National Song)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonga official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legislative Assembly of Tonga | — | 26 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
upper middle-income Pacific island economy; enormous diaspora and remittance reliance; key tourism and agricultural sectors; major fish exporter; rapidly growing Chinese infrastructure investments; rising methamphetamine hub
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $740.082 million (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $724.972 million (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021: $742.114 million (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $724.972 million (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021: $742.114 million (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2023: $7,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $6,900 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2021: $7,000 (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2022: $6,900 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2021: $7,000 (2021 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 17.5% (2023 est.)
industry: 13.5% (2023 est.)
services: 50.2% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2023industry: 13.5% (2023 est.)
services: 50.2% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 107.6% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 29.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 27.3% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -0.3% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 18.8% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -75.4% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 29.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 27.3% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: -0.3% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 18.8% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -75.4% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
coconuts, pumpkins/squash, cassava, sweet potatoes, vegetables, yams, taro, root vegetables, plantains, lemons/limes (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
tourism, construction, fishing
Industrial production growth rate
-11.1% (2023 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2023note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
34,800 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 6.3% (2024 est.)
male: 3.9% (2024 est.)
female: 10% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 3.9% (2024 est.)
female: 10% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
20.6% (2021 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2021note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021: 27.1 (2021 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2021note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 4% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 22% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2021highest 10%: 22% (2021 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 50% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 41.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 42% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 41.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 42% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $276.025 million (2023 est.)
expenditures: $244.97 million (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $244.97 million (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2020: 43.9% of GDP (2020 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2020note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
23.8% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$21.165 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$30.087 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$27.749 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$30.087 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$27.749 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $119.511 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $95.345 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $59.926 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $95.345 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $59.926 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Guyana 17%, USA 17%, NZ 15%, Australia 15%, UAE 12% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, gold, processed fruits and nuts, cassava, fish (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $392.888 million (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $383.475 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $330.306 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $383.475 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $330.306 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Fiji 27%, NZ 24%, China 21%, Australia 8%, USA 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, plastic products, poultry, cars, sheep and goat meat (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $377.299 million (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $396.53 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $375.564 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $396.53 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $375.564 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $159.276 million (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: pa'anga (TOP) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 2.373 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 2.364 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 2.328 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 2.265 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 2.3 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 2.373 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 2.364 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 2.328 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 2.265 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 2.3 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$21.165 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$30.087 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$27.749 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$30.087 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$27.749 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $119.511 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $95.345 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $59.926 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $95.345 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $59.926 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Guyana 17%, USA 17%, NZ 15%, Australia 15%, UAE 12% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, gold, processed fruits and nuts, cassava, fish (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $392.888 million (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $383.475 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $330.306 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $383.475 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $330.306 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Fiji 27%, NZ 24%, China 21%, Australia 8%, USA 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, plastic products, poultry, cars, sheep and goat meat (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 34,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 67.01 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 5.99 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 67.01 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 5.99 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 89% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 9.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 9.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 1,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 23.272 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 11,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
67 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.01 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
48.2% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 30.5% (2025 est.)
male: 46.1% (2025 est.)
female: 15.8% (2025 est.)
male: 46.1% (2025 est.)
female: 15.8% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 18 years (2020 est.)
male: 16 years (2020 est.)
female: 19 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020male: 16 years (2020 est.)
female: 19 years (2020 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
English common law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and a number of judges determined by the monarch)
judge selection and term of office: judge appointments and tenures made by the King in Privy Council and subject to consent of the Legislative Assembly
subordinate courts: Supreme Court; Magistrates' Courts; Land Courts
note: note: appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are brought before the King in Privy Council, the monarch's advisory organ that has both judicial and legislative powers
judge selection and term of office: judge appointments and tenures made by the King in Privy Council and subject to consent of the Legislative Assembly
subordinate courts: Supreme Court; Magistrates' Courts; Land Courts
note: note: appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are brought before the King in Privy Council, the monarch's advisory organ that has both judicial and legislative powers
Military & Security
Military and security forces
His Majesty's Armed Forces Tonga (HMAF; aka Tonga Defense Services): Tonga Royal Guard, Tonga Land Force (Royal Tongan Marines), Tonga Navy, Air Wing
Ministry of Police and Fire Services: Tonga Police Force (2025)
Ministry of Police and Fire Services: Tonga Police Force (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2.1% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 600 active Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory consists of light weapons, as well as some naval patrol vessels from Australia and a few US-origin aircraft (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
voluntary military service for men and women 18-25; no conscription (2023)
Reference: 2023Military - note
the military's primary missions are defending Tonga's sovereignty, providing maritime security, and protecting the King; it is also responsible for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search and rescue operations, monitoring against illegal fishing, and delivering supplies to the outer islands; the military has contributed limited numbers of personnel to multinational military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Solomon Islands; Australia, New Zealand, and the US are key partners
Tonga has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Tonga's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas
Tonga participated in World War I as part of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, but the Tonga Defense Force (TDF) was not established until 1939 at the beginning of World War II; in 1943, New Zealand helped train about 2,000 Tongan troops who saw action in the Solomon Islands; the TDF was disbanded at the end of the war, but was reactivated in 1946 as the Tonga Defense Services (TDS); in 2013, the name of the TDS was changed to His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga (HMAF) (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2013, 1946, 1943Tonga has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Tonga's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas
Tonga participated in World War I as part of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, but the Tonga Defense Force (TDF) was not established until 1939 at the beginning of World War II; in 1943, New Zealand helped train about 2,000 Tongan troops who saw action in the Solomon Islands; the TDF was disbanded at the end of the war, but was reactivated in 1946 as the Tonga Defense Services (TDS); in 2013, the name of the TDS was changed to His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga (HMAF) (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Viliana Va’inga TONE (since 20 April 2021)
chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022
telephone: [1] (917) 369-1025
FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024
email address and website: tongaconsnot@gmail.com
consulate(s) general: San Francisco
Reference: 2021chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022
telephone: [1] (917) 369-1025
FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024
email address and website: tongaconsnot@gmail.com
consulate(s) general: San Francisco
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Marie DAMOUR (since 6 December 2022); note - Ambassador DAMOUR is based in the US Embassy in the Republic of Fiji and is accredited to Tonga as well as Kiribati, Nauru, and Tuvalu
embassy: although the US opened an embassy in Tonga on 9 May 2023, the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga while the Embassy is being staffed
Reference: 2023, 2022embassy: although the US opened an embassy in Tonga on 9 May 2023, the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga while the Embassy is being staffed
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1970-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1999-09-14 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 2007-07-27 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
A3
Airports
6 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 29 (2023)
by type: container ship 1, general cargo 13, oil tanker 1, other 14
Reference: 2023by type: container ship 1, general cargo 13, oil tanker 1, other 14
Ports
total ports: 3 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 0
key ports: Neiafu, Nuku Alofa, Pangai
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 3
ports with oil terminals: 0
key ports: Neiafu, Nuku Alofa, Pangai
Environment
Environmental issues
deforestation from land being cleared for agriculture and settlement; soil exhaustion; water pollution due to salinization, sewage, and toxic chemicals from farming activities; coral reefs and marine populations threatened
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December)
Land use
agricultural land: 48.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 27.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 15.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 5.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 12.1% (2023 est.)
other: 39.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 27.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 15.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 5.6% (2023 est.)
forest: 12.1% (2023 est.)
other: 39.3% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 23.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 174,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 174,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from petroleum and other liquids: 174,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
7.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 17,200 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12.2% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12.2% (2022 est.)
Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 11,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
1 state-owned TV station and 3 privately owned TV stations; satellite and cable TV services available; 1 state-owned and 5 privately owned radio stations; Radio Australia available via satellite (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.to
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 105,524 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 105,356 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 105,567 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 105,669 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 105,704 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 105,490 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 105,042 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 104,597 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 104,175 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 103,742 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $420,828,255 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $459,976,847 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $493,530,767 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $506,031,248 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $506,571,487 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $519,306,339 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $556,514,556 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $591,139,734 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $647,488,244 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $679,218,219 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3,742 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 3,581 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 19,954 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 23,967 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 28,245 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 31,622 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 34,619 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 40,233 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 47,094 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 53,237 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -2,591 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -1,642 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -1,723 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -1,778 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -1,807 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -2,220 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -2,218 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -2,173 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -2,149 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -2,150 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 103,742 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 103,291 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 108,020 | 2017 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 3,581 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 3.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 53,237 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -2,150 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 65 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 1,324 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Male illegal since 1988; Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment (Not enforced, Legalization proposed).; Yes Female always legal | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $679,218,219 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $6,547 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 2.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 5.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 2.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 73.1 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 3.1 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 21.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 67.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 16.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 60.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 77.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 99.5% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 92.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 5.3% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 2.3% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 7.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 7.8 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 12.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 61.7 per 100 | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 8.2 per 100 | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 970 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -21.1360° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -175.2160° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -20.5878° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -174.8103° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+13:00, Pacific/Tongatapu | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: availability) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
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Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:33