Tonga

Tonga, an archipelago in the South Pacific, is a sovereign state and an island country. The country covers an area of about 748 square kilometers (289 sq mi) and has a population of about 103,000 people. Tonga is the only sovereign state in Oceania that is not a member of the United Nations. Tonga is located in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand, and about 1,800 kilometers (1,100 mi) north of the island nation of Samoa. The island country consists of 36 islands, with the largest being Tongatapu. Tonga is a constitutional monarchy with the King as the head of state. The King is advised by a Privy Council and a Prime Minister, who is appointed by the King on the advice of the Privy Council. The economy of Tonga is dependent on agriculture, tourism, and remittances from Tongans living abroad. Agriculture accounts for about 25% of the GDP and employs about 60% of the workforce. The main crops are yams, taro, coconuts, bananas, and vanilla. Tourism is the second-largest sector of the economy and is growing rapidly. Tonga is a popular destination for cruise ships and is also a popular destination for scuba diving and surfing. Remittances from Tongans living abroad account for about 15% of the GDP. The government of Tonga is working to develop the country's infrastructure and attract foreign investment. The main challenges facing the country are the high cost of living and the limited economic opportunities.