Nuku'alofa, population 21,300 (1986), is the capital of Tonga. The city is located on the coast of Tongatapu island. The main exports are copra, bananas, vanilla, and handicrafts.

Nuku'alofa is the most important commercial, transport and social center of Tonga. It comprises about 35% of the Kingdom's population. The royal palace, The Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, and all of the government buildings are located in Nuku'alofa.