Tonga - Poverty and Equity Assessment 2024

Tonga Poverty and EquityAssessment 2024Public Disclosure Authorized © 2024 The World Bank1818 H Street NW, Washington DC 20433Telephone: 202-473-1000; Internet:www.worldbank.org This work is a product of The World Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do notnecessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work anddoes not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respectto the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors,denominations, links/footnotes and other information shown in this work do not imply any judgment on the partof The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries.The citation of works authored by others does not mean the World Bank endorses the views expressed by thoseauthors or the content of their works. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges andimmunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and PermissionsThe material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this workis given. Attribution—Please cite the work as follows: “World Bank. 2024. Navigating Turbulent Waves Toward SustainedPoverty Reduction: Tonga Poverty and Equity Assessment 2024. © World Bank.” Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, TheWorld Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; email:pubrights@worldbank.org. Cover photo: World BankSample credit for a non-WB image: © Ami Vitale / Panos Pictures. Used with the permission of Ami Vitale / PanosPictures. Further permission required for reuse.Sample credit for a WB image: © Curt Carnemark / World Bank. Further permission required for reuse.Cover design: Laframboise Design Navigating TurbulentWaves Toward SustainedPoverty Reduction Tonga Poverty and Equity Assessment 2024 Table of Contents List of Figures.....................................................................................................................................3List of Tables.......................................................................................................................................6List of Boxes.......................................................................................................................................6List of Abbreviations.........................................................................................................................7Acknowledgments...........................................................................................................................9Executive Summary.......................................................................................................................101.Introduction..............................................................................................................................191.1Country Context.............................................................................................................191.2About this Report............................................................................................................281.3Poverty Measurement....................................................................................................292.Poverty and Inequality Patterns, Trends, and Drivers....................................................322.1Poverty and Inequality Patterns...................................................................................332.2Poverty and Inequality Trends and Drivers................................................................432.3Conclusion.......................................................................................................................553.Poverty, Vulnerability, and Resilience................................................................................593.1Hazards, Exposure, and Vulnerability.........................................................................603.2Coping Mechanisms......................................................................................................723.3Conclusion.......................................................................................................................754.Human Capital and Labor Market.......................................................................................774.1Overview of Labor Force and Employment Conditions.......................................