Nukualofa, capital and largest town of Tonga, on the northern coast of Tongatapu Island, in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is the island's chief port and principal economic, administrative, and tourist center. Pumpkins, copra, vanilla, and bananas are exported. Petroleum deposits are known to exist under the ocean floor near Nuku'alofa, but a cost-effective method of exploiting the oil has not yet been developed. The red-roofed Royal Palace (completed in 1867), on the waterfront, is a major landmark. In 1643 the Dutch navigator Abel Janszoon Tasman landed here. Population (1995 estimate) 40,000.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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