History
The Tongan Islands were probably settled from Fiji about 3,500 years
ago. Tonga developed as a highly stratified society with social
classes and paramount chiefs. Warfare was common as chiefs competed
to expand their respective domains. In 1616 Dutch explorers became
the first Europeans to visit Tonga. They were followed by the British
explorer. On June 4, 1970, Tonga became completely independent of
the United Kingdom.
Culture
Tonga has a unique cultural experience. Feasting plays a major role
in the Tongan lifestyle, with Tongan feasts famous throughout the
Pacific for their variety of food and gargantuan size.
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