Asia's Economic Growth Slows

New ADB report lowers region's growth rate to 6 percent on continued global uncertainties and slowing economic activity.  Read More

Partnership for Better Lives

A long established partnership between ADB and the Government of Tonga is helping inhabitants from the Pacific islands nation move toward a more secure future. View Photo Essay

12 Pillars for the Transformation of Asia and the Pacific Region

Asia and the Pacific has made good progress towards the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), though the region will still need to make greater efforts if it is to meet some important targets. Read More

High-Speed Broadband Goes Live in Tonga

The 827km fiber optic cable system linking Tonga to Fiji via the Southern Cross Cable - the main trans-Pacific link between Australia and the United States - will provide Tonga’s population of 100,000 with affordable, accessible information and communication technology services. Read More

Overview

Tonga's small and open economy is vulnerable to external shocks and it was hit hard by the global financial crisis. Development challenges include high levels of debt, limited employment opportunities, and low private sector investment levels.

ADB's country operations business plan (COBP), 2013-2015, for Tonga aims for sustained, resilient growth, and improved standards of living. The COBP envisages ongoing support for structural reform, urban infrastructure development, boosting connectivity via multimodal networks and new technologies, preparation of an outer island renewable energy project, and technical assistance to continue support for improving economic management.

Fast Facts

0.10 (2012)
Population in millions

0.2% (2010-2012)
Annual population growth rate

22.5% (2009)
Population living below the national poverty line

Fact Sheet

Proposed Projects

28 Mar 2013 46351-002: Climate Resilience Sector Project
View all proposed

Approved Projects

24 Sep 2013 46385-001: Strengthening Public Finance Management Program
27 Jun 2013 43452-022: Outer Island Renewable Energy Project
20 Jun 2013 45270-001: Implementing Strategic Economic Management
View all approved

ADB Lending

Amount ($M) / %
Sector (No. of loans)
6.04 / 10.44
Agriculture (2)
 
12.20 / 21.11
Energy (2)
 
6.50 / 11.25
Finance (2)
 
0.37 / 0.64
Industry and Trade (1)
 
10.00 / 17.31
Public Sector (1)
 
11.30 / 19.56
Transport and ICT (2)
 
11.38 / 19.69
Multisector (5)
 
57.79 / 100.00
TOTAL (15)
Cumulative as of 31 December 2012

Publications

Oct 2013 Asian Development Outlook 2013 Update: Governance and Public Service Delivery

Aug 2013 Climate Change Adaptation in the Pacific Coral Triangle

Aug 2013 Climate Change and Transport

View all publications

News Releases

2 Oct 2013 Developing Asia Slowing Amid Global Financial Jitters
2 Oct 2013 Asia Must Step Up Governance Reforms to Sustain Growth and Development
26 Sep 2013 ADB to Help Tonga Strengthen Public Financial Management and Improve Business Climate
21 Aug 2013 Asia Cannot Bypass Manufacturing on Path to Prosperity - ADB Report
21 Aug 2013 High Speed Broadband Goes Live in Tonga
View all news releases

Featured Project

Promoting Energy Efficiency in the Pacific - Phase 2

Development Effectiveness

July 2011
Tonga: Sustaining a Strong Culture While Building the Future

Photostream

ADB IN ACTION