Fact File for Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga is made of up sixty-four islands in three main island groups and was given the honorary title of ‘the Friendly Islands’ by Captain Cook in 1777. The islands of Vava'u in the north are the favorite charter yacht destination, just over an hour’s flight from Nuku'alofa International Airport.
COORDINATES: 18º39S, 173º59E
LANGUAGE: Tongan, English
BIGGEST ISLAND: Vava'u Island with capital in Neiafu
WEATHER: Tonga has a pleasant tropical climate with temperatures averaging around 24C (75F). SE trade winds can be expected from May to September and in summer breezes range from 10-20 knots from the SE. Seas are crystal clear and smooth.
BEST TIME TO CHARTER: April-September
AIRPORTS: Tonga has one international airport, Fua'amotu International (TBU) in the capital city of Nuku'alofa
TIME: UTC+13
CURRENCY: Pa'anga (TOP)=100 senti. Use of credit cards is limited in Tonga, it is best to carry cash. Currency exchange is available at banks at major hotels.
ELECTRICITY: 240 V, 50 Hz
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
- 1 Jan - New Year's Day
- Mar/Apr Good Friday, Easter Monday
- 25 Apr - ANZAC Day
- 4 Jun - Emancipation Day
- 12 Jul - Crown Prince's Birthday
- 1 Aug - King George Tupou V's Birthday
- 4 Nov - National Tonga Day
- 4 Dec - King George Tupou I Day
- 25 Dec - Christmas Day
- 26 Dec - Boxing Day
MAIN PORTS AND MARINAS: Neiafu Harbor on Vava'u is one of the Pacific's main sailing hubs and a key destination for the increasing number of sailors venturing in the Pacific.
RECOMMENDED BEACHES: Tonga has it all. Private, remote or full of life, beaches in Tonga are family-friendly and offer plenty of relaxation and activities. Each visited beach will prove itself a piece of paradise.
CULTURAL: Shaking hands is a suitable form of greeting. Casual wear is normal and beachwear is restricted to the beach. It is illegal for men and women to go shirtless in public. The Tongans are religious and Sunday is regarded as a sacred day.
Tonga Fact File PDF
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