Tonga

 


Learn some interesting facts about Tonga - a collection of 170 islands in the South Pacific. And while here, why not make use of our Tonga flag printables and flag colouring page!

Ha'atafu Beach, Tongatapu Island, Tonga
Ha'atafu Beach, Tongatapu Island, Tonga

A Little Geography...

  • The Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific consists of more than 170 islands spread over 740,000 km sq. It sits north of New Zealand and south of Hawaii, surrounded by other Pacific nation states.
  • There are three groups of islands: Tonga’tapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u.
  • The volcanic islands are covered with pristine rainforest, white beaches and coral atolls.
  • The Mapu 'a Vaea or 'Chief's Whistles' are a series of blow holes in the coral of Houma which spouts water 20 metres into the air.
  • Among the exotic flora and fauna are flying fox fruit bats called Peka and red green Eau parrots.
  • Tonga’tapu is the largest island and home to the capital Nuku’alofa.

Rural Tonga - an aerial view of Tongatapu Island
Rural Tonga - an aerial view of Tongatapu Island

A Little History...

  • Dutchman Abel Tasman was the first European visitor in 1643, after he had discovered New Zealand and Tasmania.
  • Tonga was dubbed "the Friendly Islands" by Captain James Cook when his expedition visited in 1773 - although he didn't realise that the islanders may have been planning to kill him!
  • The infamous Mutiny on the Bounty took place near Tonga in 1789 when Lieutenant Bligh and 18 men were put in a 7 metre boat by mutineers. They found their way to Timor over 6,700 km away in 47 days.
  • In 1848 the Kingdom of Tonga united the islands. The first king was called King George Tupou I.
  • Tonga gained independence from British Protection in 1970 and joined the Commonwealth.

Some Interesting Facts...

  • Tonga is the only Pacific island nation that was not colonised.
  • Rugby is the national sport with many Tongan stars playing abroad in New Zealand and Australia.

Tonga on a map of Oceania
Here you can see Tonga on a map of Oceania. We have a printable version of this simplified map here.


About the Tongan Flag

Tonga flag

The Tongan Flag is one of the oldest flags of the island countries in the South Pacific Ocean and was officially adopted on November 4, 1875. The flag's red cross represents Christianity coming to the islands.


Our Tonga Resources

Climate Of Tonga Worksheet

Climate Of Tonga Worksheet

When you are learning about Tonga, do some research into its climate too, with the help of this useful worksheet.

Packing For Tonga Worksheet

Packing For Tonga Worksheet

What will you pack in your suitcase for a trip to Tonga? A fun activity to help the kids learn about the country of Tonga!

Tonga Bookmarks

Tonga Bookmarks

Print out these Tongan bookmarks when learning about the country, perhaps... we have four versions to choose from.

Tonga Fact Worksheet

Tonga Fact Worksheet

This is the more demanding of our two fact-finding worksheets. When it's complete the kids will know all sorts of interesting facts about Tonga!

Tonga Flag Colouring Page

Tonga Flag Colouring Page

Here's a Tongan flag colouring page for kids - just click on the link below to download a high quality pdf version or use the jpg below.

Tonga Flag Printable

Tonga Flag Printable

Print out the Tongan flag in different sizes! Including a large flag to wave and a small bunting or card size flag.

 

Tonga Location Worksheet

Tonga Location Worksheet

Help children to identify Tonga and find it on a map of Oceania with our simplified location worksheets. The guided version marks all the countries, so it is just a question of locating Tonga. The blank version is much more tricky!

Tonga National Flower Colouring Page

Tonga National Flower Colouring Page

Enjoy our colouring page featuring the heilala, Tonga's national flower.

Fun Fact: The Red-blossomed Heilala is celebrated during the Heilala Festival in Tonga every July 4.

Tonga Notebooking Page

Tonga Notebooking Page

Here are two notebooking pages - one with space for drawing and one lined throughout - featuring the flag of Tonga.

Tonga on a Map of Oceania

Tonga on a Map of Oceania

This useful, simplified map of Oceania shows Tonga's location in red. Use it with our location and fact-finding worksheets.

Tonga Worksheet

Tonga Worksheet

Find out a few interesting facts about Tonga, and mark it's location within Oceania on this worksheet.

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