Digraph: TN

Type: hereditary constitutional monarchy

Capital: Nuku alofa

Administrative divisions: three island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u

Independence: 4 June 1970 (from UK)

Constitution: 4 November 1875, revised 1 January 1967

Legal system: based on English law

National holiday: Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970)

Political parties and leaders: Democratic Reform Movement, 'Akilisi POHIVA; Christian Democratic Party, leader NA

Suffrage: all literate, tax-paying males and all literate females over 21

Elections:

Legislative Assembly: last held 14-15 February 1990 (next to be held 3-4 February 1993); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (29 total, 9 elected) 6 proreform, 3 traditionalist

Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet), Privy Council

Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)

Judicial branch: Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State: King Taufa'ahau TUPOU IV (since 16 December 1965)

Head of Government: Prime Minister Baron VAEA (since 22 August 1991); Deputy Prime Minister S. Langi KAVALIKU (since 22 August 1991)

Member of: ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US: Ambassador Sione KITE, resides in London

US diplomatic representation: the US has no offices in Tonga; the ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga and makes periodic visits

Flag: red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner