Capital of Tonga: Nukuʻalofa
The capital of Tonga is Nukuʻalofa. Tonga sits in Oceania, has a population of 106,858, and uses the TOP. Official languages include Tongan, English.
Quick facts
- Capital: Nukuʻalofa
- Continent: Oceania
- Population: ~106,858
- Area: 747 km²
- Population density: 143 people per km²
- Official languages: Tongan, English
- Currency: TOP
- ISO code: TO
How big is Tonga?
By population, Tonga ranks 184th in the world, holding roughly well under a hundredth of a percent of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 177th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Tonga has 143 people per square kilometre, which is about 2.4 times the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Oceania, Tonga is the 10th most populous country of 14.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Tonga in population are Seychelles (107,118) and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (103,948).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Dominica (751 km²) and Bahrain (765 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Tongan is listed as an official language of Tonga alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Tonga uses the TOP, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Tonga in Oceania
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Fiji.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Oceania is the block Tonga belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Tonga and a page on the flag of Tonga.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Tonga?
The capital of Tonga is Nukuʻalofa.
What is the population of Tonga?
About 106,858, making it the 184th most populous country in the world.
How big is Tonga?
747 square kilometres, ranking 177th by land area, at a density of 143 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Tonga use?
The TOP, which no other country uses.