FACTS

Location: Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Area (only Total) total: 748 sq km

Climate: tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December)

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

Population: 119,009 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Tongan

Government type: constitutional monarchy

Capital (Name): Nuku'alofa

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+13

Independence: 4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate)

National holiday: Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970)