GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -James Cook’s visits between 1773 and 1777. Cook called the Tonga islands the Friendly Islands, because the native inhabitants provided him with necessary supplies and gave him a warm welcome.

Detailed explanation-2: -Many years ago, Tonga was given the nickname of the friendly islands because of the welcoming and congenial attitude shown to visitors. Today, tourism is increasing in Tonga as people travel to spear fish, whale watch, and enjoy the beautiful landscape.

Detailed explanation-3: -Captain Cook first landed in the Tongan islands on 2 October 1773, during his second Pacific voyage. In 1774 he returned for four days and received such a warm welcome that he named Tonga the “Friendly Islands”.

Detailed explanation-4: -Tonga or Kingdom of Tonga is known to geographers as the Friendly Islands because of the friendly reception accorded to Captain James Cook on his first visit in 1773. Its an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, comprises 169 islands, 36 of them inhabited.

Detailed explanation-5: -Ok, so the Pacific Ocean is quite a big place, but we mention it as Tonga is arguably most famous for its whale swimming experiences. It’s one of the only places in the world where you can legally swim with humpback whales.