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Compare Tonga (2008) - Virgin Islands (2008)

Compare Tonga (2008) z Virgin Islands (2008)

 Tonga (2008)Virgin Islands (2008)
 TongaVirgin Islands
Administrative divisions 3 island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three islands at the second order; Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas
Age structure 0-14 years: 34.6% (male 20,624/female 19,779)


15-64 years: 61.2% (male 35,551/female 36,052)


65 years and over: 4.2% (male 2,087/female 2,828) (2007 est.)
0-14 years: 21.8% (male 11,897/female 11,696)


15-64 years: 66.5% (male 34,204/female 37,911)


65 years and over: 11.7% (male 5,642/female 7,098) (2007 est.)
Agriculture - products squash, coconuts, copra, bananas, vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee, ginger, black pepper; fish fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle
Airports 6 (2007) 2 (2007)
Airports - with paved runways total: 1


2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2007)
total: 2


over 3,047 m: 1


1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2007)
Airports - with unpaved runways total: 5


1,524 to 2,437 m: 1


914 to 1,523 m: 3


under 914 m: 1 (2007)
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Area total: 748 sq km


land: 718 sq km


water: 30 sq km
total: 1,910 sq km


land: 346 sq km


water: 1,564 sq km
Area - comparative four times the size of Washington, DC twice the size of Washington, DC
Background Tonga - unique among Pacific nations - never completely lost its indigenous governance. The archipelagos of "The Friendly Islands" were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. Tonga became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900; it withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970. Tonga remains the only monarchy in the Pacific. During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.
Birth rate 23.67 births/1,000 population (2007 est.) 13.68 births/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Budget revenues: $56.97 million


expenditures: $83.88 million (FY04/05)
revenues: $NA


expenditures: $NA
Capital name: Nuku'alofa


geographic coordinates: 21 08 S, 175 12 W


time difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
name: Charlotte Amalie


geographic coordinates: 18 21 N, 64 56 W


time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December) subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November
Coastline 419 km 188 km
Constitution 4 November 1875; revised 1 January 1967 Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954
Country name conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga


conventional short form: Tonga


local long form: Pule'anga Tonga


local short form: Tonga


former: Friendly Islands
conventional long form: United States Virgin Islands


conventional short form: Virgin Islands


former: Danish West Indies


abbreviation: USVI
Death rate 5.2 deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.) 6.59 deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Debt - external $80.7 million (2004) $NA
Dependency status - organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior
Diplomatic representation from the US the US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga none (territory of the US)
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
none (territory of the US)
Disputes - international none none
Economic aid - recipient $31.75 million (2005) $NA
Economy - overview Tonga has a small, open, South Pacific island economy. It 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. Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for 80% of GDP and employment. The islands hosted 2.6 million visitors in 2005. The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum refining, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and watch assembly. One of the world's largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix. The agricultural sector is small, with most food being imported. International business and financial services are small but growing components of the economy. The islands are vulnerable to substantial damage from storms. The government is working to improve fiscal discipline, to support construction projects in the private sector, to expand tourist facilities, to reduce crime, and to protect the environment.
Electricity - consumption 32.55 million kWh (2005) 926.4 million kWh (2005)
Electricity - exports 0 kWh (2005) 0 kWh (2005)
Electricity - imports 0 kWh (2005) 0 kWh (2005)
Electricity - production 35 million kWh (2005) 996.1 million kWh (2005)
Elevation extremes lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m


highest point: unnamed location on Kao Island 1,033 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m


highest point: Crown Mountain 475 m
Environment - current issues deforestation results as more and more land is being cleared for agriculture and settlement; some damage to coral reefs from starfish and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors; overhunting threatens native sea turtle populations lack of natural freshwater resources
Environment - international agreements party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution


signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
-
Ethnic groups Polynesian, Europeans black 76.2%, white 13.1%, Asian 1.1%, other 6.1%, mixed 3.5% (2000 census)
Exchange rates pa'anga per US dollar - NA (2007), 2.0277 (2006), 1.96 (2005), 1.9716 (2004), 2.142 (2003) the US dollar is used
Executive branch chief of state: King George TUPOU V (since 11 September 2006)


head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Feleti SEVELE (since 11 February 2006); Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Viliami TANGI (since 16 May 2006)


cabinet: Cabinet consists of 14 members, 10 appointed by the monarch for life; four appointed from among the elected members of the Legislative Assembly, including two each from the nobles' and peoples' representatives serving three-year terms


note: there is also a Privy Council that consists of the monarch, the cabinet, and two governors


elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the monarch
chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January 2001)


head of government: Governor John DeJONGH (since 1 January 2007)


cabinet: NA


elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Virgin Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held 7 and 21 November 2006 (next to be held November 2010)


election results: John DeJONGH elected governor; percent of vote - John DeJONGH 57.3%, Kenneth MAPP 42.7%
Exports 0 bbl/day (2004) 397,400 bbl/day (2004)
Exports - commodities squash, fish, vanilla beans, root crops refined petroleum products
Exports - partners US 39.7%, Japan 27.8%, NZ 8.2%, South Korea 7.6% (2006) US, Puerto Rico (2006)
Fiscal year 1 July - 30 June 1 October - 30 September
Flag description red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner white, with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms shows a yellow eagle holding an olive branch in one talon and three arrows in the other with a superimposed shield of vertical red and white stripes below a blue panel
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 23%


industry: 27%


services: 50% (FY03/04 est.)
agriculture: 1%


industry: 19%


services: 80% (2003 est.)
GDP - real growth rate 2.4% (2005 est.) 2% (2002 est.)
Geographic coordinates 20 00 S, 175 00 W 18 20 N, 64 50 W
Geography - note archipelago of 169 islands (36 inhabited) important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
Imports 842.3 bbl/day (2004) 493,000 bbl/day (2004)
Imports - commodities foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, chemicals crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materials
Imports - partners Fiji 30.3%, NZ 27.7%, US 8.2%, Australia 7.5%, France 5.7%, UK 4.7% (2006) US, Puerto Rico (2006)
Independence 4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate) none (territory of the US)
Industrial production growth rate 1% (2003 est.) NA%
Industries tourism, fishing tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics
Infant mortality rate total: 11.99 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 13.3 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 10.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2007 est.)
total: 7.69 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 8.75 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 6.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2007 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 11.1% (2005 est.) 2.2% (2003)
International organization participation ACP, ADB, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, ITUC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO IOC, UPU
Irrigated land NA NA
Judicial branch Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the monarch); Court of Appeal (Chief Justice and high court justices from overseas chosen and approved by Privy Council) US District Court of the Virgin Islands (under Third Circuit jurisdiction); Superior Court of the Virgin Islands (judges appointed by the governor for 10-year terms)
Labor force 33,910 (2003) 43,980 (2004 est.)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture: 65%


industry and services: 35% (1997 est.)
agriculture: 1%


industry: 19%


services: 80% (2003 est.)
Land boundaries 0 km 0 km
Land use arable land: 20%


permanent crops: 14.67%


other: 65.33% (2005)
arable land: 5.71%


permanent crops: 2.86%


other: 91.43% (2005)
Languages Tongan, English English 74.7%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 16.8%, French or French Creole 6.6%, other 1.9% (2000 census)
Legal system based on English common law based on US laws
Legislative branch unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fale Alea (32 seats - 14 reserved for cabinet ministers sitting ex officio, nine for nobles selected by the country's 33 nobles, and nine elected by popular vote; members serve three-year terms)


elections: last held on 21 March 2005 (next to be held in 2008)


election results: Peoples Representatives: percent of vote - HRDMT 70%, other 30%; seats - HRDMT 7, independents 2
unicameral Senate (15 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)


elections: last held 7 November 2006 (next to be held November 2008)


election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 8, ICM 4, independent 3


note: the Virgin Islands elects one non-voting representative to the US House of Representatives; election last held 7 November 2006 (next to be held November 2008)
Life expectancy at birth total population: 70.12 years


male: 67.6 years


female: 72.76 years (2007 est.)
total population: 79.2 years


male: 75.4 years


female: 83.22 years (2007 est.)
Literacy definition: can read and write Tongan and/or English


total population: 98.9%


male: 98.8%


female: 99% (1999 est.)
definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 90-95% est.


male: NA%


female: NA% (2005 est.)
Location Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico
Map references Oceania Central America and the Caribbean
Maritime claims territorial sea: 12 nm


exclusive economic zone: 200 nm


continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
territorial sea: 12 nm


exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Merchant marine total: 14 ships (1000 GRT or over) 58,756 GRT/67,889 DWT


by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 9, liquefied gas 1, livestock carrier 1, passenger/cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 1


foreign-owned: 3 (Australia 1, Switzerland 1, UK 1) (2007)
-
Military - note - defense is the responsibility of the US
Military branches Tonga Defense Services (TDS): Land Force (Royal Guard), Naval Force (includes Royal Marines, Air Wing) (2008) -
Military expenditures - percent of GDP 0.9% (2006 est.) -
National holiday Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970) Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 27 March (1917)
Nationality noun: Tongan(s)


adjective: Tongan
noun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens)


adjective: Virgin Islander
Natural hazards cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes
Natural resources fish, fertile soil sun, sand, sea, surf
Net migration rate 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.) -8.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Political parties and leaders People's Democratic Party [Tesina FUKO] Democratic Party [Arturo WATLINGTON]; Independent Citizens' Movement or ICM [Usie RICHARDS]; Republican Party [Gary SPRAUVE]
Political pressure groups and leaders Human Rights and Democracy Movement Tonga or HRDMT [Rev. Simote VEA, chairman]; Public Servant's Association [Finau TUTONE] NA
Population 116,921 (July 2007 est.) 108,448 (July 2007 est.)
Population below poverty line 24% (FY03/04) 28.9% (2002)
Population growth rate 1.847% (2007 est.) -0.171% (2007 est.)
Radio broadcast stations AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2001) AM 6, FM 16, shortwave 0 (2005)
Religions Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents) Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7%
Sex ratio at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.043 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 0.986 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.738 male(s)/female


total population: 0.993 male(s)/female (2007 est.)
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.017 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 0.902 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.795 male(s)/female


total population: 0.912 male(s)/female (2007 est.)
Suffrage 21 years of age; universal 18 years of age; universal; island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections
Telephone system general assessment: competition between Tonga Telecommunications Corporation (TCC) and Shoreline Communications Tonga (SCT) is accelerating expansion of telecommunications; SCT recently granted authority to develop high-speed digital service for telephone, Internet, and television


domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 40 telephones per 100 persons; fully automatic switched network


international: country code - 676; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2004)
general assessment: modern system with total digital switching, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay


domestic: full range of services available


international: country code - 1-340; submarine cable connections to US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth stations - NA
Telephones - main lines in use 13,700 (2005) 71,700 (2005)
Telephones - mobile cellular 29,900 (2005) 80,300 (2005)
Television broadcast stations 3 (2004) 5 (2006)
Terrain most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land
Total fertility rate 2.75 children born/woman (2007 est.) 2.16 children born/woman (2007 est.)
Unemployment rate 13% (FY03/04 est.) 6.2% (2004)
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