Tonga

Tonga

Tonga is two roughly parallel chains of around 170 islands in the south-western Pacific. Neighbouring countries include Fiji to the west, Cook Islands to the east and Samoa north. Only 36 islands are inhabited. Tonga’s western islands are volcanic (four with active volcanoes) and sit well above sea level. Those to the east are coral and are more low-lying.

Secretariat support for Tonga 

Human rights 

In September 2018, a Secretariat workshop helped people working in human rights in Tonga to improve their skills to talk with government. The workshop also helped participants improve monitoring and reporting on human rights issues. 

At a working session in April 2019, the Secretariat helped Tonga to report on human rights in the country under the United Nation’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. One expert and 15 members of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly and its staff took part. 

Human rights work

Youth 

The Secretariat is helping young Tongan leaders to become involved in politics and development processes. It has also helped Tonga include young people in tackling unemployment and inequality in the region. 

Youth work

Climate change

The Secretariat supports Tonga to deliver climate action by building its capacity to access international climate finance through the Climate Finance Access Hub and supporting the development of robust climate policies.

Climate change work

Sustainable development 

In June 2019, a Commonwealth forum helped Tonga build its knowledge on sustainable energy. The Commonwealth also gave advice to Tonga on managing and benefiting from its natural resources, for example, seabed minerals. 

Natural resources work

Trade 

The Commonwealth’s Geneva office helped Tonga build skills in international trade negotiations.

Trade work

Blue Charter

Tonga is a member of the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance and Marine Protected Areas Action Groups.

Blue Charter

Connectivity Agenda

Tonga is a member of the Supply Side Connectivity cluster of the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda. The Connectivity Agenda is a platform for countries to exchange best practices and experiences to trade and investment and undertake domestic reform.

Connectivity Agenda

Find out more 

Learn more about the Secretariat's work

Total population

Key Facts

Population
105,690 (2022)
Area
748 square kilometres
Capital city
Nuku’alofa
Joined the Commonwealth
1970, on withdrawing from British protectorate