WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Fekitamoeloa 'UTOIKAMANU
chancery: 250 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022
telephone: [1] (917) 369-1025
FAX: [1] (917) 369-1024
consulate(s) general: San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:
the US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the ambassador to Fiji is
accredited to Tonga

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

Economy Tonga

Economy - overview:
Tonga, a small, open, South Pacific island economy, has a narrow
export base in agricultural goods. Squash, coconuts, bananas, and
vanilla beans are the main crops, and agricultural exports make up
two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high
proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The country remains
dependent on external aid and remittances from Tongan communities
overseas to offset its trade deficit. Tourism is the second-largest
source of hard currency earnings following remittances. The
government is emphasizing the development of the private sector,
especially the encouragement of investment, and is committing
increased funds for health and education. Tonga has a reasonably
sound basic infrastructure and well-developed social services. High
unemployment among the young, a continuing upturn in inflation,
pressures for democratic reform, and rising civil service
expenditures are major issues facing the government.

GDP (purchasing power parity):
$178.5 million (2004 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):
$244 million (2005 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:
2.4% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$2,200 (2005 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 23%
industry: 27%
services: 50% (FY03/04 est.)

Labor force:
33,910 (2003)

Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 65%
industry and services: 35% (1997 est.)

Unemployment rate:
13% (FY03/04 est.)

Population below poverty line:
24% (FY03/04)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):
11.1% (2005 est.)

Budget:
revenues: $56.97 million
expenditures: $83.88 million; including capital expenditures of $1.9
million (FY04/05)

Agriculture - products:
squash, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee,
ginger,