Tonga Income Share Top 10%
Income share held by highest 10% SI.DST.10TH.10
Tonga's income share top 10% was 22.00% in 2021, ranked 5th globally. This represents a 17.9% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2021.
Overview
Tonga's income share top 10% stood at 22.00% in 2021, a decline of +4.80pp from 2015. Tonga ranked 5th globally.
Tonga’s share of income accruing to the top 10 percent of earners fell from 28.20 % in 2000 to a trough of 22.00 % in 2021, placing the kingdom at fifth globally in that year. The all‑time peak of 28.90 % was recorded in 2009, after which a gradual decline set in, reflecting a redistribution of earnings that outpaced the modest growth of the broader economy. Compared with peers of similar rank, Tonga’s 2021 figure is marginally higher than Belgium’s 21.90 % and slightly lower than Moldova’s 22.10 %, suggesting that the Pacific nation’s income concentration remains comparable to advanced European economies despite divergent structural conditions. The downward trajectory since the 2009 peak indicates a persistent narrowing of the top‑10 % share, yet any reversal would likely require a sustained expansion of high‑value sectors or significant fiscal reforms that could raise the earnings of the richest decile.
Data & projection
| Year | Income Share Top 10% | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 22.00% | −4.80pp | #5 |
| 2015 | 26.80% | −2.10pp | #42 |
| 2009 | 28.90% | +0.70pp | #50 |
| 2000 | 28.20% | – | #29 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Tonga matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw income share top 10% improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Tonga's income share top 10% was 22.00% in 2021. Ranked 5th globally. This represents a 17.9% decrease from the previous year.
Tonga's income share top 10% peaked at 28.90% in 2009.
The lowest income share top 10% in Tonga was 22.00% in 2021.
Tonga ranks 5th globally in income share top 10% as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.DST.10TH.10. Data sourced from World Bank.
The income share top 10% of Tonga in 2021 was 22.00%. This ranks 5th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_tonga_income-top-10,
title = {Tonga Income Share Top 10%},
url = {https://historysaid.com/tonga/income-top-10/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}