Tonga

Tonga is the only Pacific kingdom that was never colonised, an archipelago of about one hundred and seventy islands in the South Pacific. From July to October humpback whales arrive to calve, and Vava'u and Ha'apai are among the few places in the world where visitors can swim with them.

The main island Tongatapu holds the capital Nuku'alofa, the Mapu a Vaea blowholes and the ancient trilithon Ha'amonga 'a Maui. Sunday is strictly observed as a day of rest, and church choirs and village feasts show the strength of Tongan tradition.

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