Vava’u, Tonga
Of all the different nations of the South Pacific Tonga is unique in that it is the only one to have never lost self-governance. While every other nation out here has at one time or another (and most are currently) subject to the protection / governance / colonization of a foreign power, Tonga has always remained their own country. They can trace their monarchy back to its founding and the different chiefs of islands before that. Considering there was an age of time where colonization was what the West pretty much DID, it is impressive simply that Tonga is, in fact, always and still Tongan.
What it also means is that if you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you blended modern times with ancient Polynesian culture all you need do is look at Tonga for your answer.
Made up of 176 islands (56 inhabited) the Kingdom of Tonga is located right here:
(We’re finally getting closer to Australia than to the US!)
And yes, it’s a Kingdom. As in they have a monarch. He’s on the money.
And oh yes, He owns every speck of land in this place and has granted it to his assorted subjects. You do not want to annoy this dude because what he says pretty much goes in the Kingdom and Tongans are huge into social pecking order. As in every single Tongan has a spot and you’re either above someone or below them. From what we understand it completely influences even their day to day interactions. There are even three different languages here –two for everyone else (formal and informal versions) and the other one for the sole purpose of addressing the monarch. He has his own language!
The absolute rule of the Tongan monarchs has had both ups and downs for the Kingdom. On the upside they successfully navigated the extremely difficult path of balancing world powers against each other to maintain their independence. On the downside the royal family has not always made the best financial decisions. For example, at one point Tonga was selling passports to anyone who could fork over the cash, which led to all sorts of issues from naturalization rights to the credibility of all Tongan passports as valid.
Speaking of the royals, here’s an interesting fact to give your kids when they think about drinking and driving: The previous ruler? He and his wife got killed by a 16 year old drunk driver while visiting Greg’s home of Santa Clara, CA. Needless to say Greg did not bring up his origins around town.
Find out more about how Western influence has affected other Polynesian nations, check out our explorations of the capitals of French Polynesia by clicking on “We’ve Reached Civilization Indeed!”
About the authors
Greg and Tiffany are traveling around the world on sailing yachts and keep a video blog of their (mis)adventures. If sailing to Tahiti on a 44 ft sailboat, getting pooped on by seagulls, opening coconuts with dull machetes, sailing past tornadoes and ukulele Christmas carols are for you, then check them out at www.CoastGuardCouple.com!
You used to party with monarchs as a child…at your own house? I did not know that about you, Greg!
That is so neat!
Isn’t it! Tonga was such a unique place to visit, at least compared to where we’ve been so far! I know there are other monarchies out there, and there must be some similarities, but it’s so different from what I’m used to.