Tonga, officially known as the Kingdom of Tonga, is a Polynesian country and archipelago consisting of 169 islands, of which 36 are inhabited, situated in the South Pacific Ocean. Historically, Tonga is unique among Pacific nations in that it was never formally colonized; it maintained its own monarchy, customs, and governance through periods of European exploration and influence. The ancient Tongan civilization, dating back over three thousand years, developed significant maritime expertise and a hierarchical social structure led by powerful monarchs, or Tu'i Tonga. In the 19th century, Taufaʻāhau (later King George Tupou I) united the islands into a single kingdom, promulgating a constitution in 1875 that established a constitutional monarchy and abolished serfdom. Tonga entered into a protected state agreement with Britain in 1900, which lasted until 1970 when it regained full sovereignty. Today, Tonga is revered for its enduring royal traditions, rich cultural heritage, and resilience as the only Indigenous monarchy within the Pacific region.