Tonga is one of the best getaways for backpackers and family crowd as well with turquoise waters, white sands and fine diving, snorkelling and hiking options. From cultural treasures to luxurious natural surroundings and rare orchids to unsurpassed marine life collection, this tiny island hides many magical elements in its backyard. Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, Tonga is an assortment of 169 islands. These Polynesian islands of Oceania continent are located between New Zealand and Hawaii. Among the numerous islands of Tonga only 36 of them are inhabited. For administrative convenience, it is divided into three main groups of Vava'u, Ha'apai, and Tongatapu. Volcanic upheavals and seismically uplifted coral limestone are the two basic characteristic of the terrain of Tonga. The climate is basically subtropical here.
Politically, Tonga is an absolute monarchy under King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. Tonga’s human inhabitation history begins with the Polynesians who have been living in these islands for at least 3,000 years. The country suffered foreign invasion in successive decades and became a British protected state. With the revision of treaty in 1959, Tonga became independent on June 4, 1970. Today, Tonga's economy is characterized by handicrafts and a few other very small scale industries.