History of Tonga in Timeline

Tonga, officially the Kingdom of Tonga, is a Polynesian island country in Oceania. It comprises 171 islands, with 45 inhabited. The total land area is approximately 750 sq km, scattered over 700,000 sq km in the southern Pacific Ocean. The population was around 104,494 in 2021, with 70% residing on Tongatapu, the main island. Tonga stretches 800 km north-south and is surrounded by Fiji, Wallis and Futuna, Samoa, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Niue. It's located about 1,800 km from New Zealand's North Island.

May 1900: Treaty of Friendship with Britain

In May 1900, Tonga became a protected state under a Treaty of Friendship with Britain, after European settlers and rival Tongan chiefs unsuccessfully tried to oust the king.

1900: British Protected State Status

In 1900, Tonga became a British protected state, with the United Kingdom managing its foreign affairs, but Tonga retained its sovereignty.

1901: British Consul Posted

From 1901, a British consul was posted to Tonga, serving as the highest permanent representative until 1970.

1918: 1918 Flu Pandemic

In 1918, the flu pandemic, brought to Tonga by a ship from New Zealand, caused the deaths of 1,800 Tongans, representing a mortality rate of approximately 8%.

1928: Free Wesleyan Church established as state religion

In 1928, Queen Salote Tupou III established the Free Wesleyan Church as Tonga's state religion; the Church of Tonga subsequently separated from the Free Wesleyan Church.

1965: King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV Reign

From 1965, under King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV (reigned 1965–2006), the government monetized the economy, internationalized medical and education systems, and increased access to material wealth and overseas travel for commoners.

1965: Queen Salote Tupou III's death

In 1965, Tonga's Queen Salote Tupou III died, and the arrangements she established led to the end of the Treaty of Friendship and Tonga's protection status in 1970.

1970: End of British Protected State Status

In 1970, Tonga's British protected-state status ended, marking a transition in its international relations.

1970: End of Protection Status and Joining the Commonwealth

In 1970, Tonga's protection status ended, and Tonga joined the Commonwealth as a country with its own monarch.

1970: End of British Consulate

In 1970, the British consulate in Tonga ended its service, marking a change in diplomatic representation.

September 1974: Opening of the Bank of Tonga

In September 1974, the country's first commercial trading bank, the Bank of Tonga, was opened.

1976: Population Growth

Tonga's population grew from about 32,000 in the 1930s to over 90,000 by 1976.

February 1979: Highest Recorded Temperature

On 11 February 1979, the highest temperature in Tonga was recorded in Vava'u at 35 °C (95 °F).

1987: Squash exports to Japan begin

In 1987, Tonga started exporting squash to Japan, which initially aided the struggling economy, but local farmers later became cautious due to price volatility and financial risks.

1987: First participation in the Rugby World Cup

Tonga has competed in six Rugby World Cups since 1987.

September 1994: Coldest Recorded Temperature

On 8 September 1994, the coldest temperature recorded in Tonga was 8.7 °C (47.7 °F) in Fua'amotu.

1995: First appearance at Rugby League World Cup

Tonga made their first appearance at a Rugby League World Cup in the 1995 edition but went out in the first stage.

1995: Rugby match

Tonga's best result came in 1995, when they beat Côte d'Ivoire 29–11.

1996: Paea Wolfgramm wins Olympic silver medal

In 1996, Paea Wolfgramm won silver in super heavyweight boxing at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, marking Tonga's only Olympic medal.

1996: Incorporation of Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry

In 1996, the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry was incorporated to represent the interests of its members and promote economic growth.

1998: Constitution provides for freedom of religion

The revised 1998 Constitution of Tonga ensures freedom of religion.

September 1999: Tonga Joins the United Nations

In September 1999, Tonga became a member of the United Nations.

1999: Rugby match

Tonga beat Italy 28–25 in 1999.

2000: Tongan population in the US

As of 2000, around 36,840 Tongans were living in the US.

2001: Agriculture land usage

As of 2001, two-thirds of agricultural land in Tonga was used for root crops.

2001: Chinese population in Tonga

In 2001, approximately 3,000 to 4,000 Chinese people resided in Tonga, constituting 3 to 4% of the total population.

2003: Constitutional Amendment on the Press

In mid-2003, the government passed a constitutional amendment to "Tonganize" the press by licensing and limiting freedom of the press to protect the monarchy's image.

February 2004: Licensing of the Press

As of February 2004, several papers were denied licenses under the new act, including the Taimi ʻo Tonga (Tongan Times), the Keleʻa, and the Matangi Tonga, while church-based or pro-government papers were permitted licenses.

December 2004: Tongan Soldiers in Iraq

In late December 2004, Tonga deployed more than 40 soldiers to Iraq as part of the American "coalition of the willing."

2005: Eligibility for WTO Membership

In 2005, Tonga became eligible to become a member of the World Trade Organization.

2005: Civil Service Strike and Unrest

In 2005, the government negotiated with striking civil-service workers, leading to civil unrest both in Tonga and at the King's New Zealand residence.

February 2006: Prime Minister's Resignation

On 11 February 2006, Prime Minister Prince ʻAhoʻeitu ʻUnuakiʻotonga Tukuʻaho resigned, and Feleti Sevele replaced him in the interim.

July 2006: Death of Prince Tuʻipelehake ʻUluvalu

On 5 July 2006, Prince Tuʻipelehake ʻUluvalu, his wife, and their driver died in Menlo Park, California, due to a car accident.

September 2006: George Tupou V Succeeds the Throne

In September 2006, George Tupou V succeeded his father, sparking public expectations for changes.

November 2006: Rioting in Nukuʻalofa

On 16 November 2006, rioting erupted in Nukuʻalofa due to the perceived lack of progress in increasing democracy, resulting in destruction and multiple deaths.

2006: Closure of UK High Commission

In 2006, the United Kingdom closed its High Commission in Tonga.

2006: Nukuʻalofa riots

The 2006 Nukuʻalofa riots, primarily targeting Chinese-owned businesses, led to the emigration of several hundred Chinese, leaving about 300 remaining.

2006: End of King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV Reign

The reign of King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV ended in 2006, after which Tonga continued its economic and social development.

July 2007: Tonga Becomes a WTO Member

On 27 July 2007, Tonga became a full member of the World Trade Organization.

2007: Rugby matches

Before 2007 Rugby World Cup, Tonga's best result came in 1995, when they beat Côte d'Ivoire 29–11, and in 1999 when they beat Italy 28–25.

2007: Second Contingent to Iraq

In 2007, Tonga sent a second contingent of soldiers to Iraq as part of its continued support for the coalition.

2007: Amendment of Citizenship Laws

In 2007, the Tongan Parliament amended citizenship laws to allow Tongans to hold dual citizenship.

2007: Success in the 2007 Rugby World Cup

The 2007 Rugby World Cup was one of Tonga's most successful to date, winning two out of four matches.

July 2008: King George Tupou V Relinquishes Power

On 29 July 2008, King George Tupou V announced he would relinquish much of his power and surrender his role in governmental affairs to the Prime Minister, preparing the monarchy for the 2010 elections.

2008: Corruption Ranking by Forbes

In 2008, Tonga was named the sixth-most corrupt country in the world by Forbes magazine.

2008: End of Tongan Involvement in Iraq

In 2008, Tongan involvement in Iraq concluded with no reported loss of life.

2008: Tonga records wins against Ireland and Scotland

In the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, Tonga recorded wins against Ireland and Scotland.

2008: Decline in Remittances

Since 2008, remittances from the overseas Tongan population have been declining due to the global economic crisis.

January 2009: "Look East" Foreign Policy

In January 2009, Tonga's foreign policy was described as "Look East," focusing on closer relations with Asia.

2009: Pacific Islanders rugby union team disbanded

The Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance was disbanded in 2009.

2010: Troops Committed to Afghanistan

In 2010, Tonga committed a minimum of 200 troops to cooperate with Britain's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

2010: Preparation for Elections

In 2010, Tonga prepared for elections as King George Tupou V relinquished power to meet the democratic aspirations of his people.

2010: Shift to Semi-Constitutional Monarchy

In 2010, Tonga transitioned to a semi-constitutional monarchy after legislative reforms allowed for its first partially representative elections.

2010: Development of Tonga Energy Road Map

In 2010, with IRENA's assistance, Tonga developed the 2010–2020 Tonga Energy Road Map, aimed at a 50% reduction of diesel importation through renewable technologies and efficiencies.

March 2011: Euromoney Country Risk Rankings

In March 2011, Tonga was ranked the 165th-safest investment destination in the world in the Euromoney Country Risk rankings.

2011: Government census data on Christian affiliation

According to the latest government census in 2011, 90% of the Tongan population is affiliated with a Christian church or sect.

2011: Overweight population in Tonga

In 2011, 90% of the adult population in Tonga were considered overweight, with more than 60% being obese.

2011: Success in the 2011 Rugby World Cup

The 2011 Rugby World Cup was one of Tonga's most successful to date, winning two out of four matches.

March 2012: King George Tupou V's Illness and Death

In March 2012, King George Tupou V was hospitalized in Hong Kong with pneumonia and later diagnosed with leukaemia. He died on 18 March 2012.

2013: Christianity professing

As of 2013, almost 98% of residents in Tonga profess Christianity.

April 2014: Completion of Task in Afghanistan

In April 2014, Tonga completed its task in Afghanistan, and the UK presented Operational Service Medals to the soldiers involved.

2014: Obesity rates in Tonga

According to World Health Organization data published in 2014, Tonga was ranked fourth overall in terms of countries listed by mean body mass index data.

July 2015: Coronation of Tupou VI

On 4 July 2015, Tupou VI was crowned as the new King of Tonga, succeeding his brother George Tupou V.

2016: Establishment of the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy

In 2016, Tonga established the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency to advise the private sector, promote business investment, and provide capacity development in renewable energy.

2017: Defeating New Zealand in Hamilton

Before the 2017 World Cup, high-profile players defected from their tier one nations to represent their nation of heritage. This led to them defeating New Zealand in Hamilton at Waikato Stadium on 11 November at that tournament.

2018: Electricity from renewable sources

As of 2018, Tonga was generating 10% of its electricity from renewable sources.

2018: Pita Taufatofua at the Winter Olympics

In 2018, Pita Taufatofua attended the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

2018: Tongan population in New Zealand

In 2018, approximately 82,389 Tongans resided in New Zealand.

2019: Construction of solar farm announced

In 2019, Tonga announced plans to build a 6-megawatt solar farm on Tongatapu, which would become the second-largest solar plant in the Pacific region upon completion.

January 2020: Re-establishment of UK High Commission

In January 2020, the United Kingdom re-established its High Commission in Tonga after a 14-year absence.

2020: Tonga Energy Road Map

By 2020, Tonga's Energy Road Map aimed for a 50% reduction in diesel importation by using renewable technologies.

2020: Energy consumption projection and renewable energy target

By 2020, Tonga's energy consumption was projected to reach 66 gigawatt hours, and the country aimed to source 50% of its energy from renewable sources.

October 2021: First case of COVID-19 reported

In late October 2021, Tonga reported its first case of COVID-19, detected in a New Zealand air passenger's positive test.

2021: WorldRiskReport Ranking

According to the WorldRiskReport 2021, Tonga ranked third among countries with the highest disaster risk worldwide due to its exposure to natural hazards.

2021: Increased Chinese Influence

As of 2021, China has attained great influence in Tonga, financing infrastructure projects and holding a significant portion of the country's foreign debt.

2021: Tonga Population

In 2021, Tonga's population was 104,494, with 70% residing on the main island, Tongatapu, according to Johnson's Tribune.

January 2022: Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai Eruption

In January 2022, the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcano erupted, causing a tsunami that inundated parts of Tonga, including Nukuʻalofa. The eruption caused an atmospheric explosion. Communications were cut off, four people in Tonga died and a submarine fiber optic cable used in the Tonga Cable System was damaged.

2023: Tongan Contemporary art exhibition

In 2023, Bergman Gallery hosted Tukufakaholo, a Tongan Contemporary art exhibition in Auckland, New Zealand, showcasing eight Tongan artists.

2023: Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific

In 2023, Tonga and other Pacific islands launched the "Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific", urging the phasing out of fossil fuels.