Tongatapu

(or Tongatabu), an island in the Pacific Ocean, the largest of the Tonga islands. Area, 257 sq km. Population, about 48,000 (1967). Tongatapu is composed of coral limestone. Its maximum altitude is 61 m. The island has a tropical trade-wind climate. There are coconut palm, banana, and citrus plantations. Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga, is situated on Tongatapu. Tongatapu was discovered in 1643 by A. Tasman.