Tongatapu is the southernmost island in the Tonga nation. It is the main island of Tonga where the capital Nukualofa is located. It is the most populous island comprising approximately 66 577 residents, 68.3% of population (in 1996). Tongatapu is also the home island of the king, (he has palaces in all the capitals of the major islands groups, but the late king's official residence (now of the queen-mother only) is the Royal Palace, Tonga)