Tonga is unique. It is the only remaining kingdom geographically situated in the heart of Polynesa in the South Pacific. It has an independent constitutional monarchy and it is the only south pacific country never to have been colonised.

Tonga is ruled by his majesty King Taufa-'Ahau Tupou IV, who was crown in 1967 following the death of his mother, her late majesty Queen Salote Tupou III in 1965.

Tonga is made up of 150 islands of which over 30 are permanently inhabited. Tonga preserves ancient tradition which are geared to enhance and maintain well-being of her over 100,000 Tongan inhabitants. The people are care-free, fun-loving and renowed for their friendliness and sincere goodwill; hence the title given to the Kingdom by James Cook, the "Friendly Islands" in 1777.

Customs and Celebrations (both religious and national)

The image of Jesus for the Tongan: We as Tongans express our way of life within the context of our particular culture. We rely heavily on symbolism, imagery and ritual. Whatever expressed in symbol is also attached to a deeper feeling (reality) which is consistent with the values and ideals found within our individual cultures. So when we do things, we do it from a cultural point of view - another way of really speaking from the heart, form the very life of the Tongans. In our customs, we celebrate all events regarding:

a) Jesus as a family man. b) Jesus as a political figure. c) Jesus as an ecumenical figure.

Contributor: Servant Clare Tavo, SOH