Tourism was strong as international arrivals increased by almost 15.0%. The growth projection for FY2017 is revised down slightly to account for a base effect from surprisingly good growth in FY2016, but the economy is expected to enjoy continued support from vibrant construction and tourism

Tonga has a small, open, South Pacific island economy. It has a narrow export base in agricultural goods. Squash, vanilla beans, and yams are the main crops. Agricultural exports, including fish, make up two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. 

Current business news from the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry

This World Bank site ranks Tonga with other countries for ease of doing business

There are three things that need to be done: company registration (unless conducting business as a sole trader or in partnership), acquisition of a business license, and (if a foreign investor), acquisition of a foreign investment certificate. All three are done through the Ministry of Labour, Commerce, and Industry (MLCI).

This World Bank site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Tonga. 

There are three things that need to be done: company registration (unless conducting business as a sole trader or in partnership), acquisition of a business license, and (if a foreign investor), acquisition of a foreign investment certificate. All three are done through the Ministry of Labour, Commerce, and Industry (MLCI).

This World Bank site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Tonga. 

Total tax rate (% of profit) in Tonga was last measured at 30.10 in 2015, according to the World Bank. Total tax rate is the total amount of taxes payable by businesses (except for labor taxes) after accounting for deductions and exemptions as a percentage of profit. This page has the latest recorded value, an historical data chart and related indicators for Total tax rate (% of profit) in Tonga.

Tonga Corporate Tax Rate chart, historic, and current data. Current Tonga Corporate Tax Rate is 30.10%.

Personal income tax is set at 10 percent

Tax information for individuals from the Ministry of Revenue & Customs

The Sales Tax Rate in Tonga stands at 15 percent. Sales Tax Rate in Tonga averaged 11.67 percent from 2014 until 2016, reaching an all time high of 15 percent in 2015 and a record low of 5 percent in 2014.

This site provides a tax table for Tonga including the VAT rate (15%)

Tonga visa and passport requirements & Embassy and Colsulate addresses. Full detail on passports, visas and entry requirements for Tonga

Comprehensive Information on Tonga Visa Requirements

Tips on getting to and getting around Tonga from real travelers and locals.

Considering Tonga comprises of 176 islands, albeit only 52 of which are inhabited, you will need to consider further options than road transportation for getting around, such as scheduled flights. 

Telecom information from the leading news website in Tonga

Current news items on the telecom industry in Tonga

This site provides a detailed summary of some of the labor regulations that would apply to local entrepreneurs wishing to hire workers, organize working schedules, improve job quality for workers, or make workers redundant for economic reasons in Tonga. 

A guide to the laws of Tonga from the US Library of Congress

The Government’s human rights record remained poor. Citizens do not have the right to change their government. At times, the authorities infringed on freedom of speech and of the press. Some women suffered from domestic violence; women also faced discrimination and limited employment and economic opportunities. In practice, the right to form labor unions was restricted by the lack of implementing regulations.

Guide to travel, doing business, and studying in Tonga – culture, greetings, gestures,etiquette, taboos, negotiations, gift-giving, and more.

In Tonga, Kava is a popular drink that is to be drunk nightly. In Tonga, only men are allowed to drink this beverage and only women can even be around the concoction if they are serving it. 

Average prices of more than 40 products and services in Tonga. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included.

Comprehensive information about travel and living cost in Tonga and all of its cities

Demographic facts and statistics on Tonga

Latest travel advice for Tonga including safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health

Not much can be said about education in this string of south pacific islands where as many people have moved away as those who live there. At least education is free and compulsory between ages 6 and 14 and the literacy rate is close to 99%. 

A brief commentary on the structure of the education system in Tonga and how students progress through the system

Tonga currently celebrates 11 national holidays each year. National holidays are regulated under the Tonga Public Holidays Act which was revised in 1988.

Comprehensive list of National and Regional Public Holidays that are celebrated in Tongaduring 2017 with dates and information on the origin and meaning of holidays.

See “People and Society” on this CIA site

Weather and Climate information for Tonga. Average monthly Rainfall, Sunshine, Temperatures, Humidity, Wind Speed

The climate of Tonga is basically subtropical. Because the islands are in the southeast trade wind area, the climate is cooler from May to December, when the temperature seldom rises above 27° C (81° F ). 

Crime levels in Tonga are relatively low, although petty crime, such as property theft does occur. There have also been some incidences of house break-ins and violent assault associated with robbery. 

Tonga Customs regulations and procedures for importing and exporting goods at border. 

Customs information for individuals entering Tonga

A summary of import and export regulations

This site provides information on Tonga’s trade agreements from the Chamber of Commerce

This site provides key information on Tonga’s participation in the WTO. Tonga has been a member of WTO since 27 July 2007.

Find 3,970 traveller reviews and 4,558 candid photos for 43 Tonga hotels on TripAdvisor.

A lsting of possible house rentals from a rental agent in Tonga

Expert Tonga travel guide including detailed information about everything you need to know about Tonga. 

11,233 reviews of Tonga Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Tonga resource