Culture and history

Tonga is the only surviving Polynesian monarchy with a continuous dynastic tradition.

Origins - Lapita culture, early hierarchy Ha'a Tu'i Tonga, kinship system and seniority status.

In the XIX-XX centuries. the kingdom became a British protectorate, retaining its own statehood, and fully restored sovereignty in 1970; the key constitutional stage is the reform of 1875.

The cultural code relies on community, respect for chiefs, and Christianity (predominantly Methodist denominations).

Life and rites are recognizable by kava/fa'ikawa, ceremonial dances of lakalaka and me'etoialuga, brown bark from mulberry bark (ngatu/tapa), mats were melted.

Music and choral singing are part of everyday life and celebrations.

In sports, rugby remains the symbol of the nation (Ikale Tahi team), and the diaspora supports cultural practices and language.

The attitude towards gambling forms of entertainment is traditionally restrained: priority is family values, social responsibility and respect for the norms of the community.