Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga, known as 'The Friendly Islands', joined the Commonwealth in 1970. It lies with in the central south-west pacific and it's islands straddle the international date line.

Tonga made their debut in the 1974 Games in Christchurch, New Zealand. Their first medal came at the 1994 Games in Victoria when Paea Wolfgramm took home a weightlifting bronze. He then went onto win a silver medal at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.

The Tonga Amatuer Sports Association (TASA) was created in 1961 in order to take part in the first South Pacific Games, held in Fiji in 1963. It was recognised as a National Olympic Committee in 1984 so that Tonga could take part in the Los Angeles Olympic Games held that same year.

The Tonga Amatuer Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) is responsible for it's country's participation in the Commonwealth Games.

Capital - Nuku'alofa

Area - 750 sq km

Population - 109,959

Time Zone - GMT +13:00

Language - Tongan, English

Currency - Pa'anga (T$)