The Kingdom of Tonga consists of 171 islands divided into three main groups:

Vava'u in the north - - with the Niuas situated in the far north
Ha'apai in the middle
Tongatapu in the south

Vava'u is formed from volcanic mountains rising from the sea. It is paradise pure and perfect for those interested in diving, snorkeling, and marine based activities. With an abundance of white sand beaches, protected by colorful coral reefs, the swimming, snorkeling and reef viewing opportunities are outstanding. If you are interested conchology or simple shell gathering, the reefs supply a museum-like array of Pacific shells. Diving tours are professionally arranged to nearby shipwrecks and caves. [Visibility extends down to 30 meters or about 100 feet]. Yacht charters are yet another way to enjoy this beautiful world within our world.

Ha'apai is a cluster of 36 major islands and numerous submerged reefs. Isolated islands include Niuafo'ou, Niuatoputapu and Tafahi in the far north. The uninhabited 'Ata lies in the far south.

In June 1995, volcanic activity created a new Tongan island, Metis Shoal.

Tonga lies immediately west of the International Dateline. The capital, Nuku'alofa, on the island of Tongatapu, is approximately 1,245 miles (2,000 kilometers) northeast of Auckland, N.Z.

Where time begins -- With the international dateline moving east of 180 degrees longitude, around Wallis, Furtuna, Fiji. Tonga and Chatham islands This makes Tonga, especially our volcanic island of Tafahi in the north -- the first landmark in the world to greet each "new" day. So the saying goes, "Tonga is where time begins."

Anyone who thinks that Tonga with a slower pace of life is behind the times, must note that Tonga will be first country in the world to enter the 21st century.

You can zoom in to see what the island of Tongatapu looks like from orbit.