Oceania

Tonga

Location

Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand.

Incidents of violent assault, robbery and theft have increased in Tonga. Personal security, general travel, navigation, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures / customs, communications, emergency shelters.

Use bottled water.

Most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base.

Tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December).

Cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou.

Dengue fever, hepatitis A, polio, typhoid, yellow fever.

Deforestation results as more and more land is being cleared for agriculture and settlement; some damage to coral reefs from starfish and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors; over hunting threatens native sea turtle populations.

Roads are generally in good condition but can be narrow and sometimes potholed. Speed limits are low and on the spot fines are strictly applied. Rock falls onto roads can occur after heavy rainfall.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.