Nukuʻalofa is the capital of the Kingdom of Tonga, the only sovereign monarchy in the South Pacific that was never formally colonized by a European power. The city is located on the north coast of Tongatapu, the largest island in the archipelago. Tonga is often called the 'Friendly Islands,' a name given by Captain James Cook in 1773. A unique cultural and legal aspect of life in Nukuʻalofa is the strict observance of the Sabbath; according to the Tongan Constitution, Sunday is sacred, and almost all businesses, transportation, and even recreational activities must cease entirely. The city is home to the Royal Palace, a Victorian-style wooden structure built in 1867. Geographically, Tonga sits just west of the International Date Line, meaning Nukuʻalofa is among the first capital cities in the world to greet each new day.