People

More than 98% of Tonga's residents are Tongans, a Polynesian group. The remainder include Pacific Islanders, mixed-race Europeans, and Europeans (of which the majority are British). Additionally, there are several hundred Chinese. Tongatapu, the largest island, is home to about two-thirds of the country's inhabitants.

Just barely more than 100.000 people call Tonga home. Both English and Tongan are spoken there. Large families and a cohesive village community help to shape people's cultures. The so-called umus, where traditional cookery is performed with freshly prepared fish and vegetables, are particularly thrilling. It is particularly customary to sip kava together, a sort of spice that can also make you drunk at bigger doses. The people of Tonga like doing this on a daily basis and in a very routine manner. Due to Tonga's isolation from foreign influences over the years, this Polynesian custom has been perpetuated. Tonga has done a remarkable job of preserving its ancient culture.