Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Tonga

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Tonga.

Terrain: most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic base
Climate: tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December)
Highest Point: 1033 — unnamed location on Kao Island 1,033 m
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources: fish, fertile soil
Natural Hazards: cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou

Current Environmental 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
International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Detailed geography