Concise
History and Facts about Tonga People first colonized Tonga more than 1200 years ago from
the Santa Cruz Islands.
The 'Lapita' people settled in the Polynesian islands now
known as Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
The Tongan Empire was established by the 1200's
1600's - first Europeans arrive.
Dutch explorers Willem Schouten and Le Maire landed in 1616.
The British Captain Cook in first landed in 1773.
1845 - Tonga was united into a Polynesian kingdom.
In 1875 Tonga was declared a constitutional monarchy.
In 1900 Tonga became a British protected state under a
Treaty of Friendship.
Tonga joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970.
1999 - Tonga joined the United Nations
