GeographyTonga

TongalocatedOceania, an archipelago inSouth Pacific Ocean, directly southWestern Samoaabout two-thirds ofway from HawaiiNew Zealand. Its 169 islands, 96them inhabited,divided into three main groups--Vava'u, Ha'apai,Tongatapu--and cover an 800-kilometer (500 mi.)-long north-south line. The largest island, Tongatapu, on whichcapital cityNuku'alofalocated, covers 257 square kilometers (99 sq. mi.). GeologicallyTongan islandsof two types: most havelimestone base formed from uplifted coral formations; others consistlimestone overlayingvolcanic base.

The climatebasically subtropical withdistinct warm period (December-April), during whichtemperatures rise above 32oC (90oF), andcooler period (May-November),temperatures rarely rising above 27oC (80oF). The temperature increases from 23oC27oC (74oF80oF), andannual rainfallfrom 170297 centimeters (67-117 in.) as one moves from Tongatapu insouth tomore northerly islands closer toEquator. The mean daily humidity80%.

Geographic coordinates: 20 00 S, 175 00 W

Map references: Oceania

Area:
total: 748 sq km
land: 718 sq km
water: 30 sq km

Area - comparative: four timessizeWashington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 419 km

Maritime claims:
continental shelf: 200-m depth or todepthexploitation
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate: tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (DecemberMay), cool season (MayDecember)

Terrain: most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location on Kao Island 1,033 m

Natural resources: fish, fertile soil

Land use:
arable land: 24%
permanent crops: 43%
permanent pastures: 6%
forestswoodland: 11%
other: 16% (1993 est.)

Irrigated land: NA sq km

Natural hazards: cyclones (OctoberApril); earthquakesvolcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou

Environment - current issues: deforestation results as moremore landbeing clearedagriculturesettlement; some damagecoral reefs from starfishindiscriminate coralshell collectors; overhunting threatens native sea turtle populations

Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law ofSea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none ofselected agreements

Geography - note: archipelago170 islands (36 inhabited)

See also : Tonga