Tonga
Kingdom of Tonga
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: -0.40%
Situated in Polynesia, Tonga has a population of approximately 104.2k—one of the less populous countries in the world. Despite covering only 747 km², the territory records a density of 139 people per km². Its capital is Nuku'alofa, and official languages include English and Tongan, while the Tongan paʻanga serves as the national currency.
Population
104,175
Area
747 km²
Density
139/km²
World Rank
#199
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
The population is currently contracting at a rate of -0% per year, pointing to deep structural challenges such as low birth rates and emigration. Births occur at 23.1 per thousand against deaths at 6.4 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. A youthful age structure is evident: 35.4% of the population is under 15, while only 6.7% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Nuku'alofa
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Polynesia
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- English, Tongan
- Currencies
- Tongan paʻanga (T$)
- Calling Code
- +676
- Top-Level Domain
- .to
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+13:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 104,175
- Land Area
- 747 km²
- Population Density
- 139 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- -0.40%
- Annual Growth
- -417 people
- Daily Growth
- -1 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- -20.00°, -175.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $5.7k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—well below the global average of $12.5k. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2%—well below the world average. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 27.1.
Life Expectancy
72.9 years
GDP per Capita
$5,652
Birth Rate
23.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.4 per 1,000
Urban Population
21.1%
Fertility Rate
3.13 births/woman
Infant Mortality
8.0 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.0%
Literacy Rate
91.0%
Internet Users
58.5%
Under 15
35.4%
Over 65
6.7%
Health Spending
7.4% GDP
Gini Index
27.1
Age Distribution
0-14 years
37K
15-64 years
60K
65+ years
7K
Urbanization
Only 21.1% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Nuku'alofa serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 2150.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
22,033
21.1%
82,142
78.8%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 72.9 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 8.0 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 91% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
If current trends persist, Tonga's population will continue to shrink, intensifying labor shortages and increasing the burden on pension and healthcare systems. As a United Nations member state, Tonga participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 104,175 |
| 2030 | 102,578 |
| 2035 | 100,736 |
| 2040 | 99,041 |
| 2045 | 97,470 |
| 2050 | 96,005 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Tonga?
The population of Tonga is approximately 104,175 as of 2026, making it #199 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Tonga?
The capital of Tonga is Nuku'alofa.
What languages are spoken in Tonga?
The main languages spoken in Tonga are English, Tongan.
How big is Tonga?
Tonga covers an area of 747 km² with a population density of 139 people per km².
Is Tonga growing or shrinking?
Tonga's population is declining at a rate of -0.40% per year.
What is the life expectancy in Tonga?
The average life expectancy in Tonga is 72.9 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Tonga?
The GDP per capita of Tonga is $5,652.