This Country Profile provides a basic overview of the legal history and institutional structures of the Kingdom of Tonga (Pule'anga Fakatu'i 'o Tonga), based on research produced by the Library of Congress. Under Tonga's Constitution, Islamic law (sharīʿa or fiqh) has no legal status.
Country Background
Tonga is an archipelago in Oceania, located in the South Pacific Ocean. The capital of Tonga is Nuku'alofa. The official languages are English and Tongan. The country's population in 2017 was approximately 106,479 people. Tonga is a predominantly Christian country, with about 97% of the population Christian. Islam is a minority religion in Tonga, and Muslims number fewer than 1,000.
Constitution & Legal Structure
Tonga has never released its sovereignty to any foreign power. Tonga is referred to as a constitutional monarchy. The current Constitution of Tonga was adopted in 1875, and it was amended most recently in 1988. The system of government is based on principles of separation and checks and balances and has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legal system of Tonga is a common law system based on English common law.
Constitutional Status of Islamic Law
Islamic law has no constitutional status in Tonga.
Jurisdiction(s) of Islamic Law
Islamic law has no official jurisdiction of operation in Tonga.
Dominant School of Islamic Law
Tonga has no official school of Islamic law. The majority of the Muslim population in the country is Sunnī.
Sources of Law for Legal Research
Official Publications
Unofficial Databases
References:
For an extended list of legal resources for this country, see the Library of Congress’s Research Guide. The Constitution is available in the LOC Guide in its original language and at Constitute in English. For full versions of past constitutions, amendments, and related legislation, see HeinOnline World Constitutions Illustrated or Oxford Constitutions of the World [subscription required for each].