Nuku’alofa, << noo koo uh LOH fuh >> (pop. 24,000), is the capital of Tonga, an island kingdom in the South Pacific Ocean. Nuku’alofa has a fine harbor protected by reefs, and the town is Tonga’s chief port. Nuku’alofa lies on the northern coast of Tongatapu Island.
The Royal Palace of the king of Tonga stands on the waterfront of Nuku’alofa. The palace was completed in 1867. The Tongan National Center in Nuku’alofa has an extensive collection of artifacts from Tonga’s history. The town is also home to a campus of the University of the South Pacific.
The chief economic activities in Nuku’alofa include coconut processing and tourism. Nearby Fua’amotu International Airport serves the town.
