Introduction
Every country has a capital city that serves as its political, economic, or cultural center. Some nations have one capital, while others have multiple capitals with different functions. In this guide, we provide a comprehensive list of all countries and their capitals along with some fascinating facts about them.
How Are Capitals Chosen?
Capitals are usually selected based on historical, political, or geographical reasons. Some capitals are chosen due to their central location, while others are picked due to economic importance. For example, Washington, D.C. was chosen as the capital of the USA because it was a neutral ground between the North and South. Similarly, Brasília replaced Rio de Janeiro as Brazil’s capital in 1960 to promote development in the country’s interior.
Complete List of Countries and Their Capitals
Here’s a categorized list of countries along with their capitals:
🌍 Asia
- India – New Delhi
- China – Beijing
- Japan – Tokyo
- Indonesia – Jakarta
- Saudi Arabia – Riyadh
🌍 Europe
- United Kingdom – London
- France – Paris
- Germany – Berlin
- Italy – Rome
- Spain – Madrid
🌍 Africa
- Nigeria – Abuja
- South Africa – Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein
- Egypt – Cairo
- Kenya – Nairobi
- Ghana – Accra
🌍 North America
- United States – Washington, D.C.
- Canada – Ottawa
- Mexico – Mexico City
- Cuba – Havana
- Jamaica – Kingston
🌍 South America
- Brazil – Brasília
- Argentina – Buenos Aires
- Colombia – Bogotá
- Chile – Santiago
- Peru – Lima
🌍 Oceania
- Australia – Canberra
- New Zealand – Wellington
- Fiji – Suva
- Papua New Guinea – Port Moresby
- Samoa – Apia
Countries With Multiple Capitals
Did you know some countries have more than one capital? Here are a few:
- South Africa – Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
- Bolivia – Sucre (constitutional capital), La Paz (seat of government)
- Netherlands – Amsterdam (official capital), The Hague (government seat)
Fun Facts About Capital Cities
✔ Smallest Capital – Ngerulmud (Palau), with fewer than 500 residents.
✔ Highest Capital – La Paz (Bolivia), at 3,640 meters above sea level.
✔ Newly Established Capital – Nusantara (Indonesia) is set to replace Jakarta.
✔ Most Populated Capital – Beijing (China), with over 21 million people.
Why Are Capitals Important?
Capitals play a crucial role in a country’s governance, economy, and history. They house important institutions like:
- Government buildings (e.g., White House in Washington, D.C.)
- Financial hubs (e.g., London is a major financial center)
- Cultural landmarks (e.g., Eiffel Tower in Paris)
Conclusion
From ancient capitals to newly planned cities, every capital has a unique history. While some capitals serve as historic and cultural centers, others are political powerhouses. Understanding capitals helps us learn more about global geography and history.
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FAQs
1. Which country has the most capitals?
South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).
2. Why do some countries have multiple capitals?
Some countries distribute their government functions across multiple cities to balance power, promote regional development, or reduce congestion in one city.
3. What is the smallest capital city in the world?
Ngerulmud, Palau, is the smallest capital by population, with fewer than 500 residents.
4. Which capital city is the highest above sea level?
La Paz, Bolivia, is the highest capital city in the world at 3,640 meters (11,942 feet) above sea level.
5. What is the newest capital city in the world?
Nusantara, Indonesia, is the newest planned capital, set to replace Jakarta due to environmental concerns.
6. How are capital cities decided?
Governments choose capitals based on historical significance, political stability, economic importance, or geographic centrality.
7. What is the most populated capital city?
Beijing, China, has the highest population among capital cities, with over 21 million residents.
8. Do all countries have an official capital?
No, some countries don’t have an official capital. For example, Switzerland doesn’t have a legally designated capital, but Bern serves as the de facto capital.
9. Which is the oldest capital city in the world?
Damascus, Syria, is often considered the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capital, with history dating back over 11,000 years.
10. Where can I find more information on countries and capitals?
You can explore official sources like the United Nations or World Bank for up-to-date country and capital lists.