Tonga is located in the very heart of the South Pacific lying east of Fiji and south of Samoa. It is one of the most scenic and unspoiled of the Pacific island nations.

Tonga has a NNE/SSW orientation between latitudes 16oS and 23oS and longitudes 173o40 W and 175o20 W. The 176 islands ranging from high volcanic to low coral terrain create scenic variety seldom matched elsewhere in the world. The islands are divided into four groups and bordered on the east by the deep Tongan Trench.

Nuku'alofa, the capital, is located on the main island of Tongatapu. It is more developed than its neighbors but still maintains an unhurried and peaceful lifestyle.