Tonga: economy

What is Tonga's GDP growth rate?

Tonga's real GDP grew 4.4% in the 2024/25 financial year, from T$1,054 million to T$1,101 million at constant 2016/17 prices, according to the Tonga Statistics Department's GDP tables for 2024/25, published in July 2026. GDP at current prices was T$1,638 million, or US$694.5 million.

The financial year runs from July to June, and the 2024/25 figures are provisional. Accommodation and food services grew fastest in real terms, by 31.4%, and construction grew 6.8%. GDP per person was T$16,710 (US$7,077) at current prices. Income from abroad is large: net current transfers from overseas were T$533.9 million, about a third of GDP. The GDP report gives the full commentary.

Official sources: TSD: GDP tables 2024/25 (Excel) · TSD: GDP report 2024/25 (PDF)

How many tourists visit Tonga?

Tonga received 64,183 air visitors in 2025, up from 62,868 in 2024, plus 8,358 cruise ship passengers and 2,105 yacht visitors, according to the Tonga Statistics Department's annual migration statistics bulletin for 2025. Cruise arrivals fell from 16,214 in 2024.

New Zealand residents were 43.4% of visitors, Australians 20.5% and United States residents 15.4%. 48.8% came on holiday and 34.8% to visit friends and relatives. The figures count movements, not people, so someone who visits twice is counted twice. Visitors exclude Tongan citizens and returning residents, of whom 48,257 arrived by air in 2025.

Official sources: TSD: Annual migration statistics 2025 (PDF)

What is Tonga's economic growth rate?

The World Bank puts real GDP growth in Tonga at 2.8% in 2025. The peak was 6.7% in 2011 and the low -5.1% in 2009. East Asia & Pacific median: 3.6%; Tonga is 18th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 107th of 180.

What is Tonga's GDP per person?

In 2025, GDP per person in Tonga was $6,547, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was $6,547, and Tonga placed 15th highest of 29. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 100th highest.

What is Tonga's GDP per capita at PPP?

In 2025, GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Tonga was $8,675 in international dollars, according to the World Bank. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was $14,200 in international dollars, and Tonga placed 20th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 129th of 179.

What share of Tonga's economy is exports?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2024, is 16.9% of GDP. The peak was 24.5% of GDP in 2016 and the low 10.8% of GDP in 2022. East Asia & Pacific median: 32.7% of GDP; Tonga is 23rd highest of 25. Worldwide: 136th of 162.

Does Tonga earn more abroad than it spends?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is -4.4% of GDP (a deficit). The peak was -3.7% of GDP in 2019 and the low -30.0% of GDP in 2009. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 1.6% of GDP, and Tonga placed 16th highest of 19. World rank, highest first: 101st of 132.

How much foreign direct investment goes into Tonga?

According to the IMF, net inflows of foreign direct investment in Tonga was 2.6% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 6.2% of GDP in 2008 and the low -3.4% of GDP in 2017. It is 12th highest of 28 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 1.9% of GDP. Worldwide: 71st of 179.

What interest rate do banks charge in Tonga?

7.6%: that is the average bank lending rate in Tonga for 2025, according to the IMF. No year since 2012 has been lower. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 6.5%, and Tonga placed 5th highest of 10. World rank, highest first: 49th of 73.