Apia is considered in one of the largest cities in Samoa. It is also the capital of this country. The city is located on the central north coast of Upolu, Samoa second largest island. Within the political district of Tuamasaga, Apia is the only city in Samoa. Mulinuu lies at the city western, the old ceremonial capital and is the location of the Parliament House (Maota Fono) and the historic observatory, which is now the meteorology office. Apia Harbour is the busiest harbor and by far the largest in Samoa. All dock like international shipping with containers, LPG gas, and fuels here. The modern capital Apia has been the official capital of Samoa since 1959 and was founded in the 1850s.