Tonga - 50.09
102
The not-so-friendly islands
Tonga, also known as the Friendly Islands, is home to the last true monarchy in the Pacific. With this comes a unique identity. Tonga is one of the most staunchly Christian nations on Earth. Some 60% of the population belongs to the Chuch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Tonga is the only country on Earth to recognize the sabbath. Despite the government and people’s committment to Christ, however, corruption is rampant. Tonga’s citizenship by investment program is rife with abuse and officials have been accused of selling diplomatic passports to wealthy investors. Tonga has not been spared from the health issues that plague the rest of the Pacific, as Tonga has one of the highest rates of obesity of any country on Earth. However, few of these issues will be of consequence by the end of the century, as Tonga is projected to sink by 2100.
Human Rights - 63
Tonga has fully abolished the death penalty. Homosexuality is illegal for men, but this law goes generally unenforced. Abortion is legal to preserve the physical health of the woman.
Democracy - 33
Tonga is a constitutional monarchy, limiting its score to 95. The King retains significant executive powers, namely the ability to veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and appoint the prime minister. The prime minister is appointed by the King on the advice of parliament but is effectively appointed by parliament and approved by the King. 17/30 Assembly seats are directly elected, nine are elected by and from nobility, and four are appointed by the prime minister from other government positions to hold their seats ex officio. The speaker must be a noble. Elections are free and fair. All candidates run as independents but opposition blocs form and compete without restriction.
Freedom - 68
The Tonga Broadcasting Commission (TBC) maintains unenforced laws restricting preaching outside “mainstream Christian tradition.” The Ministry of Communication has poorly-defined regulations prescribing fines for publishing or broadcasting “sensitive information.” This law has seen limited enforcement but provisions would allow the issuing of fines for publishing criticism of the government or royal family. Christianity is the official religion, and while freedom of religion is guaranteed Tonga recognizes the sabbath, meaning that most businesses are banned from operating on Sundays. Drug possession is punishable by life imprisonment, but betel nut is not covered under this law. Tonga may issue gun ownership licenses for bolt-action rifles.
Economy - 55
Health - 59
Tonga has a life expectancy of 71 years and an infant mortality rate of 1.43%. 48.2% of Tongans are obese and 2.93% are malnourished. Tonga has a decent universal healthcare system including one full-service hospital and three smaller hospitals, as well as fourteen health centers. Tonga is facing a critical shortage of medical specialists, meaning that many patients must travel to Australia for care. 96% of Tonganese have access to clean, running water.
Corruption - 23
Tonganese officials have been implicated in major corruption scandals regarding the country’s citizenship-by-investment program. Officials have been accused of selling passports to wealthy investors. Judicial verdicts are bought and sold at low levels. Police bribery is common. Public services must be bribed into action. Public contracts are impossible to obtain without bribery.
Competency - 39
The Tonganese government is generally regarded as having a cumbersome bureaucratic process and is generally slow to act.
Future - 18
Tonga will be underwater by 2100. The Tonganese economy grew despite the pandemic.
Actions Abroad - 61
Tonga’s selling of passports to Chinese nationals has drawn criticism. Tonga is generally isolationist and maintains positive relations with most nations.
1% of Tongans live below the international poverty line and 27% live below the national poverty line. 3.63% of Tongans are unemployed. Tonga has a low economic disparity. Tonga does not have a minimum wage. Tonga’s universal healthcare system features one full-service hospital, along with three smaller hospitals and fourteen health centers. Tonga is facing a critical shortage of medical specialists and most cases of rare diseases are sent to Australia for care. The Tongan economy grew 0.7% in 2020 and grew 0.7% in 2019.