Tonga: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Tonga 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Tonga: na
  • Happiness Score Tonga:na

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Tonga. TO.

    Tonga

  • Tonga is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.
  • Tongan culture is known for its traditional music, dance, and art, as well as its rich history of storytelling and oral traditions.
  • Tonga relies heavily on agriculture and fishing, with tourism and remittances from Tongans living abroad also being important sources of revenue.

    Tonga – A Comprehensive Overview

    History

    Early History: Archaeological evidence suggests the first settlers in Tonga arrived from Samoa around 1500 BCE. The ancient Tongan people, known as the Lapita, were skilled navigators and seafarers who established a unique chiefdom system and hereditary monarchy.

    Kingdoms and Empires: The Tu’i Tonga Empire, founded in the 10th century CE, was a powerful maritime empire that controlled much of the central Pacific region. The empire declined in the 15th century, leading to the rise of the Tu’i Ha’atakalaua and eventually the modern Kingdom of Tonga under the Tu’i Kanokupolu line.

    Colonial Period: Western explorers like Abel Tasman, James Cook, and William Bligh made contact with Tonga in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, Tonga was never formally colonized and maintained its independence through strategic alliances and diplomacy.

    Independence and Modern Era: Tonga became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protected state in 1900. It regained full independence in 1970 and joined the United Nations in 1999. Political reforms and democratic changes have been gradual in recent decades.

    Current Political Situation: Tonga is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The King is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. Recent elections in 2021 saw the Democratic Party win a majority of seats.

    International Relations: Tonga maintains close ties with Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific Island nations. It is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum and cooperates with regional partners on issues like climate change and sustainable development.

    Human Development and Economy: Tonga has a small, open economy heavily dependent on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Remittances from Tongans living abroad are also a significant economic contributor. Human development indicators have improved but challenges remain, including poverty and environmental vulnerabilities.

    Cultural Highlights: Tonga has a rich Polynesian culture, with unique traditions in music, dance, and handicrafts. Christianity is the predominant religion, and the Tongan language is widely spoken. Tongan celebrations, like the annual Heilala Festival, showcase the vibrant cultural heritage.

    Conclusion: Key challenges facing Tonga include climate change impacts, economic diversification, and political reforms. Opportunities exist in sustainable tourism, renewable energy, and strengthening regional cooperation.

Main facts

Location

Tonga is an archipelago located in the southern Pacific Ocean, situated about two-thirds of the way from New Zealand to Hawaii. It lies south of Samoa and east of Fiji and Vanuatu.

Map References

Tonga is situated in the Oceania region of the Pacific Ocean.

Area – Comparative

With a total land area of 289 square miles (748 square kilometers), Tonga is slightly larger than the state of New York City.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Tonga is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean and has no land boundaries with any other country.

Coastline

Tonga has a total coastline of 419 miles (674 kilometers), with many of its islands featuring sandy beaches and coral reefs.

Maritime Claims

Tonga claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
  • Continental Shelf: 200 nautical miles or the edge of continental margin

Climate

Tonga has a tropical climate moderated by trade winds from the east. The warm season typically runs from December to April, while the cooler season is from May to November.

Terrain

Tonga consists primarily of flat coral islands, with volcanic islands and some rugged terrain in the interior of the larger islands.

Elevation Extremes

The lowest point in Tonga is at sea level, while the highest point is Kao Island at 1,030 meters (3,389 feet) above sea level.

Natural Resources

Tonga has limited natural resources, including fish, arable land, and some minerals such as iron ore and gold.

Major Bodies of Water

Tonga has no major lakes or rivers, but it is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.

Natural Hazards

Tonga is susceptible to cyclones (between November and April), earthquakes, and volcanic activity. The islands are also vulnerable to tsunamis due to their location in a seismically active region.

Geography – Notes

Tonga is a Polynesian sovereign state and archipelago that consists of 169 islands, 36 of which are inhabited. The islands are divided into three main groups: Tongatapu (in the south), Ha’apai (in the center), and Vava’u (in the north). The capital and largest city is Nuku’alofa, located on the island of Tongatapu.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 12.50%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 128. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 45.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -21.178986-175.198242.
  • Capital: The capital of Tonga is  Nukuʻalofa
  • Major Cities:
    • Nuku’alofa: Population 24,501
    • Ha’apai: Population 6,122
    • Vava’u: Population 15,216
  • Population: 100,209
  • Area(Km2): 747
  • Population Density( P/Km²):147. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:676
  • Official Language(s):Tonga is Tongan (90%) and English (10%).
  • Currency: TOP

Main Economic Indicators

Tonga has a small, open island economy that is heavily dependent on agriculture, fishing, and foreign aid. With a GDP of around $510 million, it faces challenges such as high unemployment, a large public debt burden, and vulnerability to natural disasters. The government has focused on promoting private sector growth and tourism as part of its development strategy.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.3% (2022 est.), 1.2% (2021 est.)

Source: CIA World Factbook

Credit Ratings

Tonga does not have credit ratings from major agencies like Fitch, Moody’s, or Standard & Poor’s.

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 18.6%
Industry: 18.5%
Services: 62.9%

Source: CIA World Factbook (2017 est.)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: squash, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, root crops, fish

Industrial Products: tourism, construction, fishing

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 35,460 (2017 est.)

Comparative Ranking: Not available

Current Account Balance

Current Account Balance: -$72 million (2017 est.)

Comparative Ranking: Not available

Exports and Imports

Exports: $17.6 million (2017 est.)
Key Partners: U.S., New Zealand, Australia
Main Commodities: pumpkins, squash, fish, root crops, vanilla beans

Imports: $216.6 million (2017 est.)
Key Partners: Fiji, New Zealand, U.S., China
Main Commodities: foods, machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, fuels

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $225.3 million (31 December 2017 est.)

Gold Reserves: Tonga does not have significant gold reserves.

  • GDP (Current US$):$450,353,314. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 22.30%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 27.50%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. . It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 1.12%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Noun: Tongan(s)

Adjective: Tongan

Ethnic Groups

  • Tongan 96.6%
  • Part-Tongan 1.7%
  • Other 1.7%

Religions

  • Protestant 64.1% (Free Wesleyan Church 35.7%, Free Church of Tonga 11.9%, Church of Tonga 6.8%, Tokaikolo Christian Church 2.4%, Assembly of God 2.3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.2%, Constitutional Church of Tonga 1.1%, Methodist Church 2.7%)
  • Roman Catholic 15.6%
  • Mormon 18.6%
  • Other 1.1%
  • None 0.03%
  • Unspecified 0.6%

Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 35.41%
  • 15-64 years: 59.82%
  • 65 years and over: 4.77%

Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 67.2

Youth dependency ratio: 59.2

Elderly dependency ratio: 8

Median Age

Total: 22.3 years

Male: 21.6 years

Female: 23 years

Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 48.2% (2016)
  • Alcohol consumption: 1.2 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2016)
  • Tobacco use: 34.8% of adults aged 15 and over smoke tobacco daily (2015)
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 70.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:24.3. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 3.56. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 42%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 24,145. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):10.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

Tonga’s military and security forces consist primarily of the Tonga Defence Services (TDS), which includes the Tonga Royal Navy and Tonga Royal Land Force. There are no separate Air Force or Coast Guard units. The security forces also include the Tonga Police, which is responsible for maintaining internal security.

Military Expenditures

Tonga’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years is as follows:

  • 2021: 1.2%
  • 2020: 1.1%
  • 2019: 1.0%
  • 2018: 1.1%
  • 2017: 1.3%

Tonga’s military spending ranks among the lowest globally.

Personnel Strengths

The total active-duty military personnel in Tonga is approximately 600, with the following breakdown:

  • Tonga Royal Navy: 200
  • Tonga Royal Land Force: 400

The strength of the Tonga Police force is around 500 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Tonga’s military equipment is relatively modest and includes a few patrol boats, transport aircraft, and light infantry weapons. The majority of its equipment is imported from countries like Australia and New Zealand. There are no significant ongoing or planned military acquisitions or development programs.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Tonga is voluntary, with enlistment possible between the ages of 16 and 24. There is no mandatory military service obligation.

Military Deployments

Tonga has a small contingent of personnel deployed as part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in the Middle East. Additionally, a small number of Tongan personnel participate in international peacekeeping operations alongside Australian and New Zealand forces.

Strategic Military Notes

Tonga’s defense strategy is primarily focused on maintaining internal security, maritime surveillance, and participation in international peacekeeping missions. The military’s role is centered on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and contributing to regional security efforts, particularly in partnership with Australia and New Zealand. Tonga is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum and maintains close military ties with these countries.

  • Armed Forces Size: . Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.52
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 59.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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