| GEOGRAPHY |
Tonga is an archipelago
of 172 islands in the South Pacific, most
of which are uninhabited, covering an area
of 7700 sq km (3000 sq miles). The major
island groups are Tongatapu and 'Eua, Ha'apai
and Vava'u. Tonga's high volcanic and low
coral forms give the islands a unique character.
Some volcanoes are still active and Falcon
Island in the Vava'u group is a submerged
volcano that erupts periodically, its lava
and ash rising above sea level forming a
visible island which disappears when the
eruption is over. Nuku'alofa, on Tongatapu
Island, has a reef-protected harbour lined
with palms. The island is flat with a large
lagoon, but no running streams, and many
surrounding smaller islands. 'Eua Island
is hilly and forested with high cliffs and
beautiful beaches. The Ha'apai Islands,
a curving archipelago 160km (100 miles)
north of Tongatapu, have excellent beaches.
Tofua, the largest island in the group,
is an active volcano with a hot steaming
lake in its crater. The Vava'u Islands,
90km (50 miles) north of Ha'apai, are hilly,
densely wooded and interspersed with a maze
of narrow channels. They are known for their
stalagmite-filled caves. |
