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The archipelago of "The Friendly Islands" was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. Tonga acquired its independence in 1970 and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.
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Country
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Surface Area: 748 square km
Population: 106,137 (July 2002 est.)
Located in: Oceania, archipelago of 169 islands (36 inhabited) in the South Pacific Ocean
Capital City: Nuku'alofa
Head of State: King Taufa'ahau TUPOU IV
Prime Minister: Prince Lavaka ata ULUKALALA
Independent since: 4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate)
Currency: Pa'anga (TOP)
Flag (image): 
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