Introduction

The Kingdom of Tonga is the remaining monarchy in the South Pacific, located between Hawaii and New Zealand, Fiji to the northwest, Samoa to the northeast, Niue to the east, New Caledonia and Vanuatu to the far west.

There are 5 main islands – Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai, ‘Eua, Niuafo’ou/Niuatoputapu in which the largest is Tongatapu where the capital Nuku’alofa is located.

Named as the “Friendly Islands” by Captain James Cook on his first visit in 1773       

Politics

Head of State: HM King Tupou VI

Head of Executive (Cabinet): Hon. Prime Minister

• 12 Cabinet Ministers

Legislative Assembly: Hon. Speaker

• 9 Noble Representatives
• 17 People Representatives

Judiciary

• Court of Appeal
• Supreme Court
• Lands Court / Magistrate Court

Political Structure

Culture

Social Structure

• King
• Nobles
• Commoners

Four Core Values

• Fefaka’apa’apa’aki – Mutual Respect
• Feveitokai’aki – Sharing; Cooperating and fulfilment of mutual obligation
• Tauhi vaha’a – Loyalty and Commitment
• Lototoo – Humility and Generosity

Fast Facts

• Population = 103,306 (2011 census)
• In which, 70% of the above population resides in the capital of Nuku’alofa, on the largest island of Tongatapu
• Total Area: 747 km2 (288 sq mi)
• Sea Area: 30 km2 (12 sq mi)
• Currency: Tongan Pa’anga (TOP)
• GDP: $799.3 Million
• GDP per capita: $7,738
• Tonga Labour Force: 33,422 (2011)
• Major Trading Partners

Investment Opportunities 

1. Tourism
   • Hotels and Motels
   • Accommodation – to expand and improve quality
   • High-end Restaurants, Tour operators and other tourism- related activities
2. Agriculture and Fisheries
   • Agro-processing and export (maize, soy beans, eggs, beef, pork etc)
   • Provision of Agricultural Stores
   • Purpose-built export pack-house for seafood
   • Commercial sport fishery (expanding tourism related fishing)
3. Other Areas
   • Energy
   • Manufacturing
   • Service Sector
   • Computer data entry facility
   • Leasing or rental finance facility
   • Quick printing service
   • Veterinary clinic
   • Transportation rental services, etc

Business Start-Up Overview