Asian Development Bank and Tonga: Fact Sheet

Abstract

Updated yearly, this ADB Fact Sheet provides social and economic indicators on Tonga as well as concise information on ADB's operations in the country and contact information. The Pacific nation of Tonga has made progress toward achieving many of the targets in the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for poverty reduction. Steadily improving general health indicators join high literacy rates and good school enrollment ratios, although lifestyle diseases have increased rapidly. Against this progress, social services in Nuku’alofa are deteriorating and sanitation, drainage, roads, and waste disposal are in need of attention. Some 23% of Tongan households are estimated to experience periodic difficulties in meeting their basic needs. There are signs of rising ruralurban drift toward the main islands, attributed to a lack of income-generating opportunities and traditional obligations that some find burdensome.