Welcome To The Parliament of Tonga
The Kingdom of Tonga is a Polynesian monarchy which has strong links to its traditional governance. It is the only monarchy in the Pacific. Tonga is situated in the South Pacific Ocean about one third of the way from New Zealand to Hawaii. It is around 750 square kilometres in area and for administrative purposes is divided into three districts Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u.
The modern political history of Tonga dates to 1845 when King George Tupou I unified the islands of Tonga under his rule. He declared a constitutional monarchy in 1875, laying down laws which included limiting the powers of the chiefs, granting land tenure and ensuring freedom of the press. The most recent revisions to the Constitution were made in 2002. Tonga’s governance structures are unlike any other in the Pacific. The monarch, currently King George Tupou V, is Head of State, and chairs the Privy Council, which is the highest executive authority in the country.
Tonga has a unicameral legislature, the Fale Alea, which has thirty-two seats comprised of the fourteen members of cabinet, nine elected People’s representatives and nine representatives of the nobles selected the Nobles.
Tonga has a separate Judiciary with a Supreme Court, whose judges are appointed by the monarch, and a Court of Appeals, whose judges are chosen from overseas and appointed by the privy Council.
Tonga’s economy, in common with other Pacific Island economies, is heavily dependent on foreign aid, agriculture and remittances from Tongans working abroad. In 2005 – 2006, revenue from remittances exceeded 50% of all revenues.
Tonga’s 2007-08 budget aimed at restraining government expenditure, stimulating business recovery and strengthening the private sector. In 2007, the Government of Tonga established the National Economic Development Council with a mandate to stimulate economic growth.
Among the most significant political issues currently being faced by Tonga are the pressures for political reform and high levels of youth unemployment.
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