Capital cities - Info sheet

The term 'capital' refers to a city that holds a significant status within a country as the central location from which the government operates. In every nation, while there are numerous cities each with their own unique importance, it is typically the capital city that is recognized as the administrative hub. This city hosts the nation's key governmental institutions, such as the parliament and the highest court of justice, and is the workplace for the country's leaders and officials. The capital is often synonymous with the political heart of a country and is usually depicted in images showcasing its iconic landmarks, such as Paris, Rome, Madrid, and Berlin in Europe.

Capital cities are often amongst the largest cities in their countries, but this is not always the case. There are interesting exceptions, such as Bolivia with its dual capitals and South Africa with three. Unique situations arise in city-states like Monaco, the Vatican City, and Singapore, where the country itself serves as the capital. Nauru, a small island nation, notably lacks an officially designated capital city. Historical shifts have seen countries like Turkey move their capital from Constantinople (now Istanbul) to Ankara, and others, such as Australia, have constructed new cities, like Canberra, specifically to serve as the capital. These examples illustrate the diverse ways in which a city can come to be recognized as the central seat of government and authority within a country.