Katinia is one of the most beautiful and traditional flower in Tonga. It is a sign of love that can takes someone's love away by its amazing sweet smell. In the olden days, every home in Tonga used to have Katinia. But nowadays it is hardly occurred.

History of Tonga.

The Map of Tonga

Around 1000 BC the archeologist investigated that this was the first time for human to settle Tonga. The Tonga archipelago is thought to have been colonised around 3000 BC.

The Lapita people arrived Tonga between 3500-3300 years ago. They establish their first capital close to the Fua'amotu Airport in Tongatapu.

In the book of history, Tongan warriors were very strong, powerful, fierce and sea invaders. They invaded many neighbouring islands. The Tonga territory included parts of Fiji, Samoa, Tokelau and Niue.

The first European to settle on the island were the Dutch. In the 18th century, the British replaced the Dutch as the leading colonial presence.

Major Events 1616- Dutch first visit Tonga 1830s- Wesleyan missionaries convert Taufa’ahau 1875- Tonga was established as a Monarchy nation. 1953- Queen Salote joined Elizabeth’s coronation. 1970- Tonga becomes fully independent. 2005- Prolonged strike by public sector. 2006- King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV died. 2006- Rioting erupts in the capital, Nuku’alofa.

Captain Cook granted Tonga the nickname "the Friendly Islands".

In 1822, missionaries starting settle in Tonga and Wesleyan were the most successful.

Tonga set up a small provisional defence force in WWII. Queen Salote was the queen most of the 20th century until she died in 1965. Her son, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV then became the king and he died last year. George Tupou V is his son, now the current king.



Tonga has 150 islands altogether, but only 36 islands are inhabited. It is estimated to have 114,689 people with a total area of 748 sq km. The largest city and the capital is Nuku'alofa with 24,500 people.

Cultures

Tonga is composed of four islands groups. However, one-third of the country's 100,000 population lives in the capital on the main island Tongatapu. The three main islands of Tonga are Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai.

There is a variety of activities travelers in Tonga that you can participate in. One can drink Kava and dance until tired for those who like to party. At the same time, athletic or adventurous travelers can see beaches, caves and reefs.

There are also opportunities to para-sail, water ski, sail and whale watch.

The islands have many attractive sites such as ancient archaeological sites, caves, blowholes, and tiny coral islands like Tongatapu. Theres are also luscious rainforests and romantic isolated beahces.

The Vava'u Group in the north of Tonga is reowned for sailing due to its deep channels. Though Tonga is not a famous for its scuba diving as its South Pacific counterparts, there are some great dive sites around Tongatapu and Ha'apai.

Religion

Tongans are a very spiritual people. There are several denominations of the Christian Faith. Church are easily found and visitors are welcomed.

The most common church are the Methodist, Roman Catholic, Church of the Latter Day Saints and Seventh Day Adventists. The Bahai Faith is also active.

Sunday is my best day of the week. Emily Moala

Tonga has the highest ration of followers of the Church of Latter Day Saints in the world. This is due to American missionaries who spread the religion to the islands.

Sunday is the day for going to religious service, relaxing, feasting with family and visiting. Everything shuts down.

Tongan are not allowed to go swimming or playing sports. There are no restraunts opening except for hotels and motels, no taxis and even the airports.

Climate

This island circuit in the southwest Pacific is very tropical like most of its surrounding islands. Meaning that during the day it is generally sunny, warm and refreshingly non stuffy.

The temperature remains all day any of the year between 68 F-86 F. At the same time, humitidy level remains very high.

The relaxing and sothing sea breezes and trade winds allow the weather to be very relaxing and bearable despite the hot temperatures. There can be heavy rainfall between October and April then decreases during the middle of the year. Trade winds increase around March -October bringing cool to the island.

A good time to visit is during one of the holidays or festivals when the towns all come to life with celebration. There are various tour companies that offer organised trips around the time of festivals.


Sports

'Ikale Tahi postponed

The naming of the Tonga rugby team has been postponed due to a court action. It was an order decided by the Chief Justice Ford.

Tonga Rugby Union has been splitting since last year. In March 2007, three board members of the union resigned claiming four other members of the board had a separate meeting making unauthorised decision.

This was a report of an attempt by disaffected members to take over a decision.

Tonga has already named 40 players for the ‘Ikale Tahi to prepare for the World Cup. The naming of the first final 30 squad will be held by August 24 after the meeting.