The Kingdom of Tonga is a sovereign country in Polynesia, composed of an archipelago of 169 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is geographically positioned both in the Southern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth. Tonga is surrounded by Fiji, Wallis and Futuna to the northwest; Samoa to the northeast; Niue to the east; Kermadec to the southwest; New Caledonia and Vanatu to the farther west. Tonga is completely surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. The white quarter bears a red cross placed at the center. The Red Cross is very much symbolic of the coming of Christianity to Tonga islands. The color red in the Tonga flag also represents the blood of Christ and his sacrifice. The white quarter symbolizes purity. Official Name: During the King's birthday, the flag is hoisted at various locations and it can also be seen printed on various banners throughout the Kingdom. Covering a total area of 750 sq.km (289 sq mi), Tonga is an archipelago composed of 169 islands, of which only 36 islands are inhabited and is located in the South Pacific Ocean. The three largest islands are Tongatapu, Ha'apai, and Vava'u, with Tongatapu being the most populated. Due to its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire, Tonga experiences relatively frequent volcanic activity, with its last eruption occurring in 2009, near the island of Hunga Tonga - approximately 6.8 miles (11 km) north of the capital city. The red cross represents the country’s belief in Christianity. The white color is a symbol of purity, and the red color also represents the blood of Jesus after being crucified and recalls the Tonga people that their salvation owes to him. Tonga Flag Map History of the Tonga Flag

Around this time in the 1840s, the Tonga flag was first introduced and adopted. The new King wished to design a new flag of Tonga, mainly one that would represent Christianity. He worked with Shirley Waldemar Baker who was a member of the UK's Tongan mission to create a new flag. This, as well as a new coat of arms and national anthem for Tonga. Tonga's western islands make up the Volcanic Arch, and are therefore volcanic in origin, having been formed from heated materials that rose to the surface of the ocean. The eastern Tongan islands sit above the Tonga ridge, running parallel to the Volcanic Arch, and were formed from elevated limestone and uplifted coral formations. These islands are not volcanic. Located east of Tonga, in the depths of the ocean, is the Tonga Trench - one of the deepest parts of the Pacific.

Introduction

Its deepest point, known as the Horizon Deep, plunges 35,702 ft. (10,882 m) below the surface of the water. There are no significant rivers within the Tonga archipelago, however the largest lake is located on the island of Tofua, and is a steaming hot volcano crater with a depth of 1,600 ft. (500 m).

The summit of volcanic undersea mountains forms the two roughly parallel chains of the Tongan islands. Most of the islands of the western chain are classified as high islands, because they have been raised well above sea level by repeated volcanic activity. Four of them are still active volcanoes. Some of the islands composed of lava formed by shield volcanoes, such as Late and Kao, have a hard cone-shaped surface that is not easily eroded. Others, such as Fonuafo‘ou (Falcon Island), were formed by more explosive volcanoes, and their surfaces, composed of ash and pumice, erode readily. Fonuafo‘ou has arisen and disappeared repeatedly, owing to its cycles of eruption and erosion. The highest point of the country is an unnamed elevation on Kao Island that peaks at 3,389 ft. (1,033 m); the lowest point is the Pacific Ocean (0m). Divisions of Tonga Map The first humans arrived in Tonga around 1000 B.C. The islands’ politics were probably highly centralized under the Tu’i Tonga, or Tongan king, by A.D. 950, and by 1200, the Tu’i Tonga had expanded his influence throughout Polynesia and into Melanesia and Micronesia. The Tongan Empire began to decline in the 1300s, descending into civil wars, a military defeat to Samoa, and internal political strife that saw successive leaders assassinated. By the mid-1500s, some Tu’i Tongans were ethnic Samoan and day-to-day administration of Tonga was transferred to a new position occupied by ethnic Tongans. The flag of Tonga is a red field with a white section in the top left corner with a red couped cross.

Communications

The Vavaʻu group to the north of Haʻapai is known for its hilly terrain, sheltered bays, and deepwater harbor. The region's geography makes it a popular destination for yachting and whale watching. The islands here are formed from volcanic activity, with lush, fertile soils supporting diverse vegetation. Where is Tonga? The Tonga Flag is red in color with a white quarter at the upper left corner on the hoist-side of the flag.