Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Free Write 1 - Tonga, the Friendly Islands

The exploration of the Pacific Islands by Captain Cook in the 18th century, discovered Tonga in 1773 and named it the Friendly Islands. Since then the Kingdom of Tonga is also known as the Friendly Islands. Tonga compromises of 177 islands of which 125 islands are habited. Tonga was first discovered in 1616 by two Dutchmen explores Schouten and Le Maire, and later on by Captain Abel Tasman in 1643.  

Tonga
 
 
Tonga is located geographically on longitude 21 degrees south and latitude 175 degrees west. It is located in the South Pacific close to Samoa and Fiji. It is about an hour away by flight to Fiji and three hours away to New Zealand

Tonga is made up of five main island groups; Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai, ‘Eua and the two Niuas. The capital city Nuku’alofa is located on the biggest island Tongatapu. Tonga has its own currency called Pa’anga.

Tonga’s total population from Tonga’s latest statistics is about 103,000 people. Tonga is a monarchial ruling form of government. Tonga’s hierarchy system is ruled by a constitutional monarchy; His Majesty King Tupou VI with the government system as follows;

 











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