Tonga is the only Pacific Island country to be categorized as a “High Human Development” country -according to the latest UNDP index ranks Tonga 54th out of 166 countries

Waitangi Day in Tonga 2006

In the last few days, in a media interview, a journalist asked the Master of the Royal Household, whether the funeral of the late Monarch was putting a strain on the Tongan economy.  Honourable Albert Tuivanuavou Vaea responded that this was a misconception.  As he explained, the flights to Tonga were full to capacity and additional flights were being organized by airlines to meet the increased demand.  The capital of Tonga, Nuku’alofa, is filled with many visitors requiring goods and services.  And, the Tongan diaspora is generously sending money and koloa (treasure and wealth) from overseas, to honour the passing of late King.

Water Melons on sale at a market

The Lord Chamberlain, Honourable Fielakepa reflects on the Late King’s fondness for the expatriate Tongan community and His recognition of their contribution to the Tongan economy.   During His reign, it was proposed that new bills be introduced into the Legislative Assembly removing the rights and entitlements of overseas Tongans to own land in Tonga.  The Bill was not given the Royal Assent by His Majesty the King and did not come to pass. 

Remittances from overseas provide a strong injection to the Tongan economy.  Although there is often a focus by overseas political commentators and media on poverty in Tonga; the facts speak for themselves.  The most recent United Nations Human Development Index ranks Tonga as 54th out of 166 countries (Australia ranks at 3, New Zealand ranks at 19, Indonesia ranks at 110, Solomons Islands at 128). 

Tonga is the only Pacific Island country to be categorized as a “High Human Development” country; alongside the nations of Australia and New Zealand.   All other Pacific countries meet the classification of “Medium Human Development”, where Samoa follows Tonga, ranking at 74, followed by Fiji which ranks at 92.

A variety of produce

The Human Development Index measures three dimensions of human development: living a long and healthy life; being educated and having a decent standard of living. 

While it is relatively common to hear references made about Tonga being a poverty-stricken country; the GDP per capita is also higher than any of its Pacific Island neighbours.  In fact, its GDP is over one thousand US dollars more - per capita - than Samoa and Fiji.  However, it is in education where Tonga truly outperforms its Pacific counterparts; with an adult literacy rate of 98.2, a combined gross enrolment ratio (primary, secondary, tertiary) of 83% and an overall education index of 0.93. 

The full UNDP Report can be found at www.undp.org