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The more than 150 islands constitute three main groups: Tongatapu (seat of the capital) in the south, Vavau in the north, and Haapai in the center. Several of the islands are volcanic, with active craters, but most are coral atolls. The climate is tropical. The native Polynesians speak Tongan, a Polynesian language, and the majority are Christian. They grow subsistence crops and export copra and bananas. Because of compulsory primary education, the literacy rate is relatively high. Every male Tongan over the age of 16 is entitled to an allotment of land; but the shortage of land precludes a holding for many.
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