Pronunciation: [pˈɑːŋɡə] (IPA) 
The word "paanga" is the currency of Tonga. It is spelled with a "pa" sound followed by a long "a" sound, represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /pɑːŋɑː/. The letter "a" is pronounced as "ah" in "father" in both syllables. The double "a" represents a long vowel, which is pronounced for a slightly extended period compared to a short vowel. In order to spell "paanga" correctly, it is important to keep these pronunciations in mind.
The term "paanga" refers to both a physical currency and the unit of currency used in the Kingdom of Tonga, a small archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. As a currency, the paanga is represented by the symbol T$ and is divisible into 100 subunits known as seniti. It is the official legal tender of Tonga, accepted for all transactions within the country.
The paanga has been in circulation since 1967, replacing the pound as the official currency. The currency is issued and regulated by the National Reserve Bank of Tonga to maintain stability and control over the monetary system.
The exchange rate of the paanga is determined by various factors such as market forces, economic conditions, and government policies. The value of the paanga can fluctuate against other major currencies, influencing foreign exchange rates and international trade.
The paanga is commonly used for everyday transactions, including buying goods and services, paying bills, and conducting business transactions within the Kingdom of Tonga. It is also used by tourists visiting the country for converting their money into the local currency.
Overall, the paanga serves as the fundamental instrument for economic transactions within Tonga, representing the medium of exchange, store of value, and unit of account for the Kingdom's economy.
The word "paanga" primarily refers to the currency of the Kingdom of Tonga. It is also the national word for "money" in the Tongan language. The etymology of the word "paanga" originates from the Tongan word "ngaahi pa'anga", which means "pieces of iron".
Historically, the Tongan currency consisted of iron rods that were used as a form of money. These iron rods would be shaped into different forms and sizes, often circular or triangular. Over time, these iron rods became symbolic of money and were eventually named "pa'anga".
When the Tongan currency was introduced in 1967, the name "pa'anga" was chosen to pay homage to the historical significance of the iron rods that were once used as money. Today, the word "paanga" is exclusively used for the currency of Tonga.
