A former British protectorate, Tonga became fully independent in 1970, though it was never formally colonised. Tonga has no strategic or mineral resources and relies on agriculture, fishing and the money sent home by Tongans living abroad, many of them in New Zealand.

Who was Tonga colonized by?

To avoid German colonization Tonga became a British Protectorate in 1900, the status it held until full independence in 1970. All land in the country remains under the control of the royal family and the 33 noble families, who also dominate the Parliament.

When was Tonga Colonised?

An Austronesian-speaking group linked to the archaeological construct known as the Lapita cultural complex reached and colonised Tonga around 1500–1000 BCE.