The first humans arrived in Tonga around 1000 B.C. The islands’ politics were probably highly centralized under the Tu’i Tonga, or Tongan king, by A.D. 950, and by 1200, the Tu’i Tonga had expanded his influence throughout Polynesia and into Melanesia and Micronesia. The Tongan Empire began to decline in the 1300s, descending into civil wars, a military defeat to Samoa, and internal political strife that saw successive leaders assassinated. By the mid-1500s, some Tu’i Tongans were ethnic Samoan and day-to-day administration of Tonga was transferred to a new position occupied by ethnic Tongans. The summit of volcanic undersea mountains forms the two roughly parallel chains of the Tongan islands. Most of the islands of the western chain are classified as high islands, because they have been raised well above sea level by repeated volcanic activity. Four of them are still active volcanoes. Some of the islands composed of lava formed by shield volcanoes, such as Late and Kao, have a hard cone-shaped surface that is not easily eroded. Others, such as Fonuafo‘ou (Falcon Island), were formed by more explosive volcanoes, and their surfaces, composed of ash and pumice, erode readily. Fonuafo‘ou has arisen and disappeared repeatedly, owing to its cycles of eruption and erosion. Tonga's western islands make up the Volcanic Arch, and are therefore volcanic in origin, having been formed from heated materials that rose to the surface of the ocean. The eastern Tongan islands sit above the Tonga ridge, running parallel to the Volcanic Arch, and were formed from elevated limestone and uplifted coral formations. These islands are not volcanic. Located east of Tonga, in the depths of the ocean, is the Tonga Trench - one of the deepest parts of the Pacific. As well as the national flag of Tonga, Tonga also has different flags for its army, navy, and a royal standard for its sovereign. Tonga is an island country consisting of 169 islands and coral islands, which gained independence in 1970. The capital of the country is Nuku’alofa. It is the most eastern part of the world and the first to see the new day. The official language is Tonga. However, they speak English with their own accents. Pa’anga is used as currency.

The white quarter bears a red cross placed at the center. The Red Cross is very much symbolic of the coming of Christianity to Tonga islands. The color red in the Tonga flag also represents the blood of Christ and his sacrifice. The white quarter symbolizes purity. Official Name:Tonga is a predominantly Christian country. This was brought about with the arrival of the British when Captain James Cook first arrived in 1773 then made 2 additional visits until 1777. After this,British Wesleyan Methodist arrived in Tonga and started to convert the Tongans to Christianity. It was only in 1831 that they converted the chief Taufa'ahau Tupou, who, in 1845, would then become King George Tupou I. island and islets forming three main groups Vava in the north Ha apai in the center and tongatapu in the South. Tonga is an island country to the south of the Pacific Ocean and has no neighbors. The closest countries are Niue and Fiji. Main Characteristics of Tonga

The Tonga Flag is red in color with a white quarter at the upper left corner on the hoist-side of the flag.During the King's birthday, the flag is hoisted at various locations and it can also be seen printed on various banners throughout the Kingdom. The red cross represents the country’s belief in Christianity. The white color is a symbol of purity, and the red color also represents the blood of Jesus after being crucified and recalls the Tonga people that their salvation owes to him. Tonga Flag Map History of the Tonga Flag Around this time in the 1840s, the Tonga flag was first introduced and adopted. The new King wished to design a new flag of Tonga, mainly one that would represent Christianity. He worked with Shirley Waldemar Baker who was a member of the UK's Tongan mission to create a new flag. This, as well as a new coat of arms and national anthem for Tonga.

The flag of Tonga is a red field with a white section in the top left corner with a red couped cross.The flag of Tonga can be seen often around the country. Sometimes outside of houses, sometimes as decorations on cars or buildings, and most often around the capital city Nukualofa.