How old is tonga

The workshop also helped participants improve monitoring and reporting on human rights issues. 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. In June , a Commonwealth forum helped Tonga build its knowledge on sustainable energy. The Kalia has been referred to as the most remarkable voyaging canoe ever to ply the Pacific.

It could beat to windward or sail very fast down wind. William Mariner more on Mariner below observed that by reason of Tonga being situated to windward, it was therefore easier to sail with the wind from Tonga to Fiji than it was to sail in the teeth of the south east tradewinds. Their superiority in this respect is so great, that no native of Fiji, as far as is known, ever ventured to Tonga but in a canoe manned with Tonga people, nor ever ventured back to his own islands, but under the same guidance and protection", he wrote.

In Able Jansoon Tasman was the first European to arrive in Tongatapu and landed his tenders for supplies in the bay behind Kanokupolu village. His caution would not allow him to bring his ships to harbour- keeping them on the ready to escape any sign of hostility. Captain William Bligh and 18 loyal crewmembers were set adrift in an open boat with minimal supplies. They reached Timor in the Dutch East Indies, having survived the longest ever ocean voyage in an open boat.

The first King of this united Tonga was George Tupou I, and the modern Kingdom of Tonga is the only Pacific Island nation never to lose its indigenous governance or to be colonised. Located just west of the International Date Line, Tonga is also the first country to experience the new day each morning. Tonga joined the Commonwealth of Nations in , jettisoning the protectorate status in , but still retaining its unique position as the only monarchy in Polynesia. Tradition and culture are still very important in modern Tonga, and across the untouched islands of the Tongan archipelago, visitors can experience a truly authentic slice of Polynesia.

Local art and handicrafts continue to showcase Tongan traditions, and most accommodation for visitors is in low-impact eco resorts on pristine islands and beaches, or in village guesthouses and welcoming homestays. Tonga gets first elected leader. BBC Weather- Tonga. Government of Tonga. Tonga Visitors Bureau. Kingdom of Tonga Capital: Nuku'alofa. Image source, Getty Images.

Prime Minister 'Akalisi Pohiva centre. Read full media profile. Read full timeline. Related Topics.