Writing: Tonga

 Tonga

Tonga, officially the Kingdom Tonga, Is Located in southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. There are around 170 islands split between three main island groups - Tongatapu (in the South), Ha’apai (in the Centre) and Vava’u (in the North). There are islands that are isolated that are in the far North (Niuafoʿou, Niuatoputapu, and Tafahi) and the far south (‘Ata).

The capital of Tonga is Nukuʿalofa, which is on the island of Tongatapu.Tonga is a member of the Commonwealth and of the United Nations.When you talk sports in Tonga, you talk about Rugby Union. It is the Tongan national sport. Their national team, known as the ʻIkale Tahi (Sea Eagles).Another sport that is starting to get bigger in Tonga is Rugby League. Similar game, but not. Like Rugby Union, a lot of young players that come from Tonga are poached to other countries.The Tonga National Olympic Committee was recognised by the International Olympic Committee in 1984.Much like most of the Pasifika Rugby union teams, Tonga performs their Sipi Tau (the Ikale Tahi war dance) before every game. The current captain for ‘Ikale Tahi is Siale Piutau. The current co-captains for the Rugby League team are Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Jason Taumalolo.Dancing to a Tongan is more than just the movement of the arms and legs or just a means of entertainment. It does not involve the hands and legs alone, rather it involves the mind, the heart and the soul. And this is the beauty of Tongan Dance. The purpose of dancing in Tonga is important to culture and society. Tonga’s traditional dances include the Me’etu’upaki, ‘Otuhaka, Ma’ulu’ulu, Ula, Tau’olunga, Kailao and Soke, and most famous is the Lakalaka, a dance practised throughout the Kingdom

Expressing stories of Tongan history and legends, the Lakalaka is performed by both men and women. 

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