The Kingdom of Tonga (or Friendly Islands), a member of the British Commonwealth, is an archipelago situated in the South Pacific directly south of Western Samoa. Its 171 islands, 48 of them inhabited, are divided into three main groups--Vava'u, Ha'apai, and Tongatapu--and cover an 800-kilometer (500 mi.)-long north-south line. The largest island, Tongatapu, on which the capital city of Nuku'alofa is located, covers 257 square kilometers (99 sq. mi.). Geologically the Tongan islands are of two types: most have a limestone base formed from uplifted coral formations; others consist of limestone overlaying a volcanic base. ENJOY!!!

Languages: English, Tongan
Religions: Christian
Status: UN Member 1999
Pa'anga: meaning "Bean shaped pieces"

Thursday, September 24, 2009
1 Tonga Pa'anga = 0.52463 US Dollar

The note selected today is a 2009 issue of 1 Pa'amga.

(Front) King Taufa'ahau at r. Arms at l. (Back) Humpback whale breaching.

-Ultra Violet Markings-