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Polynesian Countries List

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Polynesia is a region in the Pacific Ocean consisting of several island countries and territories. The countries in Polynesia include Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Kiribati.

Samoa

Country Overview:

Samoa, located in Polynesia, covers an area of approximately 2,831 square kilometers. It consists of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, and several smaller islands. Samoa is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The country is known for its rich Polynesian culture, traditional dance (siva), and elaborate tattooing (tatau) practices. Samoa is also renowned for its hospitality and laid-back lifestyle.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1962 (from New Zealand)
  • Population: Approximately 200,000
  • Capital City: Apia
  • Language: Samoan, English
  • Currency: Samoan Tala (WST)
  • Time Zone: SST (GMT+13)
  • Country Area Code: +685
  • Top-Level Domain: .ws
  • ISO Country Codes: WS, WSM

Tonga

Country Overview:

Tonga, located in Polynesia, covers an area of approximately 747 square kilometers. It consists of 169 islands, of which 36 are inhabited. Tonga is famous for being the only monarchy in the Pacific, with a unique system of government and cultural traditions. The country is known for its friendly locals, stunning beaches, and vibrant marine life. Tonga also boasts a rich cultural heritage, including traditional Tongan dance (tau’olunga) and music (kapa haka).

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1970 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 100,000
  • Capital City: Nuku’alofa
  • Language: Tongan, English
  • Currency: Tongan Pa’anga (TOP)
  • Time Zone: TOT (GMT+13)
  • Country Area Code: +676
  • Top-Level Domain: .to
  • ISO Country Codes: TO, TON

Tuvalu

Country Overview:

Tuvalu, located in Polynesia, covers an area of approximately 26 square kilometers. It consists of nine coral atolls scattered over the Pacific Ocean. Tuvalu is famous for its remote and idyllic islands, pristine beaches, and turquoise lagoons. The country is known for its vulnerability to climate change, with rising sea levels threatening its existence. Tuvalu also has a rich Polynesian culture, with traditional practices such as dancing (fatele) and weaving (tafuga) still preserved.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1978 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 11,500
  • Capital City: Funafuti
  • Language: Tuvaluan, English
  • Currency: Tuvaluan Dollar (TVD)
  • Time Zone: TVT (GMT+12)
  • Country Area Code: +688
  • Top-Level Domain: .tv
  • ISO Country Codes: TV, TUV

Kiribati

Country Overview:

Kiribati, located in Polynesia, covers an area of approximately 811 square kilometers. It consists of 32 atolls and one raised coral island dispersed over the Pacific Ocean. Kiribati is famous for being one of the first countries to witness the sunrise each day due to its location on the International Date Line. The country is known for its stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and rich cultural heritage, including traditional dances (te mwaie) and ceremonies (kaimatoa).

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1979 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 120,000
  • Capital City: South Tarawa
  • Language: Gilbertese (Kiribati), English
  • Currency: Kiribati Dollar (none, Australian Dollar is used)
  • Time Zone: GILT (GMT+12)
  • Country Area Code: +686
  • Top-Level Domain: .ki
  • ISO Country Codes: KI, KIR

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