The flag of Tonga (Tongan: Fuka ʻo Tonga), characterized by a red field with a white canton charged with a red cross, holds significant cultural and religious symbolism. The prominent red cross represents the predominant Christian faith practiced by the majority of the Tongan population. Notably, Tonga is one of the 28 countries globally whose national flag prominently features Christian symbolism. The color white symbolizes purity, while the color red signifies the sacrificial blood of Christ, emphasizing the deep religious heritage and values of the Tongan people.
| Proportion: | 1:2 |
|---|---|
| Adopted: | November 4, 1875 |
| Flag image: | Animated GIF (25 frames looped) |
| Flag emoji code: | 🇹🇴 |
The coat of arms of Tonga features a quartered shield surrounded by ornate golden embellishments, each element representing an integral aspect of the nation's history and culture. The first section displays three silver six-pointed stars, symbolizing the main archipelagos of Tonga (Tongatapu, Ha'apai, and Vava'u). The second section portrays a royal crown, signifying the country's monarchical structure. The third section depicts a white dove carrying an olive branch, representing peace, unity, and the strong Christian faith prevalent in Tonga. The final section displays three crossed swords in gold, representing the three dynasties (Tu‘i Tonga, Tu‘i Kanokupolu, and Tu‘i Ha‘atakalaua) from which the royal family descends. Positioned at the center of the shield is a white six-pointed star with a red cross, akin to the one featured in the national flag. Adorned with laurel branches, a royal crown hovers above the shield, flanked by two state flags. The national motto in Tongan, "KO E ʻOTUA MO TONGA KO HOKU TOFIʻA" (God and Tonga are my inheritance), is emblazoned on a banner beneath the shield.
Tonga, officially known as the Kingdom of Tonga, is a Polynesian sovereign state and island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. Its capital is Nukuʻalofa, and its population is about 106,759 (2021). According to its maritime borders, it borders with Fiji and Samoa.
| Capital and largest city: | Nuku'alofa |
|---|---|
| Other major city: | Lapaha |
| Official languages: | English, Tongan |
| Region: | Polynesia |
| Ethnic groups: | 97% Tongan, 0.7% Part-Tongan, 2.2% Other |
| Religions: | 97.57% Christianity, 0.75% Bahá'í Faith, 0.10% Hinduism, 0.18% Buddhism, 0.02% Islam, 0.84% Other, 0.26% Refuse to answer, 0.28% None |
| Nationality name: | Tongan |
| Area: | 748 km² (289 sq mi) |
| Population: | 106,759 (2021) |
| Country codes: | TO, TON (ISO 3166) |
| Internet Top-Level Domain: | .to |
| Calling code: | +676 |
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