by Roohi

Created on: January 21, 2009   Last Updated: January 27, 2009

A Trip to the Friendly Islands of Tonga

If you are planning a cruise to the South Pacific, don't miss out on the marvelous opportunity to visit the Kingdom of Tonga. Tonga comprises of 171 islands and 48 of these are inhabited by humans. Hopping from one island to another, you will get the once in a lifetime opportunity to watch some rare species of native Tongan birds, various species of whales, including the humpback whales, and also go for a swim with the dolphins.

* The Early Rulers of Tonga
The Lapita migrates were the first settlers in this archipelago. They are believed to have migrated to Tonga from South-East Asia around 500 B.C. The Tongan monarchy ruled the islands for 400 years from the 12th century onwards. During the 14th century, the practice of delegating temporal power to the second line gave rise to three distinct authorities: Tu'i Tonga, Tu'i Ha'atakalaua and the Tu'i Kanokupolu. Of these the latter two were responsible for carrying out the administrative work of the kingdom.

* Tonga's Contact with the Americans and the Europeans
Tonga's first experience with the Europeans was when Dutch explorer Able Tasman arrived in 1643. When Captain James Cook visited the islands in 1773 and 1777, he named the islands as "The Friendly Islands" because of the warm and friendly reception that he received.

Tonga's first contact with missionaries took place in 1747, when they visited the islands and managed to convert Taufa'ahau, one of the claimants of the Tu'i Kanokupolu line, to Christianity. This led to mass scale conversion in this country. In 1900, Tonga entered into a Treaty of Friendship and became a British protected state. However, Tonga retained its independence and autonomy and did not give up its monarchical government.

During World War II, Tonga took part in the action in the Solomon Islands and also allowed US and New Zealand troops to be stationed at Tongatapu.

Tonga's protectorate status ended on June 4, 1970 and helped it attain full independence. This is also the year when it joined the Commonwealth of Nations.

* The Culture of Tonga
Most Tongans are Polynesians by ethnicity. You will find signs of the Polynesian culture in their handicrafts and their ancient architecture. Christianity is the main religion in the country. Most Tongans are Free Wesleyans, Mormons or Catholics. Tongan is the official language. However, you will find that most people speak English. So when you take a cruise to Tonga, language is not something you will need to worry

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