What is a capital city?
In most cases, the capital is a central city with the most important collection of political institutions. Originally this meant the seat of government. However, as it happens from time to time, that a seat of government is moved, and the term persisting capital has become more and more popular. Today, this term has a mainly symbolic meaning and is not always synonymous with the seat of government.
Tell me in the comments: How many
world capitals have you been to?
Countries and Capitals List
Afghanistan
The capital of Afghanistan is Kabul, the largest city in the
country. Prior to 1766 though, the country’s capital was Kandahar.
Albania
The capital of Albania is Tirana, known as one of the only
capital cities in the world with no McDonalds! #McSorry
Algeria
The capital of Algeria is Algiers, the largest city in the
country, which happens to be the largest country in Africa. Soo… you know,
largeception.
Andorra
The capital of Andorra is Andorra la Vella.
Besides its super pretty name, Andorra la Vella happens to
be a bustling destination for winter tourism because of its ski resort. Plus,
at over 1000m above ground, it’s the highest capital in Europe.
Angola
The capital of Angola is Luanda, the country’s chief port.
Some call it “the Paris of Africa” for its sophisticated
culture, and it has consistently topped lists as the most expensive city for
expats in the entire world.
Antigua and Barbuda
The capital of Antigua and Barbuda is Saint John’s, where
you’ll apparently find epic Carnival festivities during the summer from the end
of July til the first Tuesday of August, when there’s a biiiig parade to
celebrate.
Argentina
The capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires.
Here, you’ll find the mansion where the president of
Argentina lives. It’s called the Casa Rosada and yes, apparently very
pink!
Armenia
The capital of Armenia is Yerevan, nicknamed “The Pink City”
for the colour of the stone used in buildings throughout the city.
Also fun fact (not world capital related, but still) – chess
is a mandatory subject in Armenian schools!
Australia
The capital of Australia is Canberra, not Sydney as many
people wrongfully assume!
Canberra is the country’s largest inland city and known as
“the Bush capital” due to its location amongst the nature and mountains.
Austria
The capital of Austria is Vienna.
Random but very fun fact: Vienna is where the snow globe was
invented back in 1900. Basically Erwin Perzy (a fine instruments mechanic) was
trying to make a light bulb glow brighter by adding water and semolina flakes…
which didn’t make a brighter bulb, but a pretty and iconic new decoration! In
my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful world capitals on Earth.
Azerbaijan
The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku, which is located 92ft
below sea level.
It is also sometimes referred to as “the city of Winds”.
The Bahamas
The capital of the Bahamas is Nassau, the biggest city in
the country.
It’s rumoured that Blackbeard and Calico Jack (yes, the
pirates) called Nassau home once upon a time. *cue Pirates of the Carribean
music*
Bahrain
The capital of Bahrain is Manama.
Apparently one of their main districts is called “Hoora”
(like, hoorah!!!) and that’s where a lot of the city’s nightlife is. This fact
brings me great joy.
Bangladesh
The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka.
Fun fact: Dhaka is known as the rickshaw capital of the world
(with over 800,000 rickshaw pullers in the city).
Barbados
The capital of Barbados is Bridgetown, which has its own
Trafalgar Square and Lord Nelson Statue (like in London).
Surprise though – both actually predate their London
equivalents.
Belarus
The capital of Belarus is Minsk, a city that is totally
packed with FOUNTAINS – over a hundred of them in fact.
It also has a ridiculously long main street
(called Independence Avenue) that spans 15km.
Belgium
The capital of Belgium is Brussels.
The airport here is the largest chocolate selling point in
the world, and they have a lot of quirky museums, including one dedicated to
fries!
NOTE: While Brussels is among the world’s prettiest capital
cities, I’d recommend checking out other Belgian cities like Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent.
Belize
The capital of Belize is Belmopan, one of the smallest
capital cities in the world.
The government was moved here in 1970, after Hurricane
Hattie devastated much of the former capital, Belize City in the 60s.
Benin
The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo (the country’s second
largest city).
Despite its status as capital, many consider Cotonou to
be not only bigger, but more important.
Bhutan
The capital of Bhutan is Thimphu. It is supposedly the only
capital in the world that has no traffic lights.
Bolivia
Bolivia kind of has two capitals: La Paz, the
administrative/de facto capital and Sucre, the judicial capital.
La Paz is where you’ll find the highest golf course in the
world (it’s also the highest world capital).
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo. It
was in this city that on June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was
assassinated, an event that would trigger WWI.
PS: Bosnia & Herzegovina is one of my favourite hidden
gems in Europe
Botswana
The capital of Botswana is Gaborone, located in the south
near South Africa.
The name comes from Chief Gaborone of the Tlokwa tribe
who once controlled nearby land.
Brazil
The capital of Brazil is Brasilia. Supposedly, when viewed
from above, the city has the shape of an airplane.
Brunei
The capital of Brunei is Bandar Seri Begawan, the largest
city in Brunei and home to the country’s most famous landmark, the Sultan
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
Bulgaria
The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia, a city built on Roman
ruins and with the best array of free tours ever, including one of the only
free food tours in the world!
Sofia is hands down one of my favourite world capitals I’ve
visited. For more, check out this local’s guide to Sofia.
PS: There are a lot of unique things to do in Bulgaria that
you can’t do anywhere else in the world. Be sure to give it a visit!
Burkina Faso
The capital of Burkina Faso is Ouagadougo, which translates
to “You are welcome here at home with us”. *feels instantly loved*
Burundi
The capital of Burundi is Bujumbura. It also functions as
the main port, where a lot of the country’s main export (sweet, sweet coffee)
is shipped.
Cambodia
The capital of Cambodia is Phnom Penh, sometimes known as
the “Pearl of Asia” or the “Paris of the East”.
Cameroon
The capital of Cameroon is Yaounde, nicknamed the City of
Seven Hills.
Canada
The capital of Canada is Ottawa, and their hockey team is
called the Senators. heh.
Cape Verde
The capital of Cape Verde is Praia. It’s located on the island
of Santiago, the largest island in the country. One of the official languages
of the country is Portuguese, and Praia actually means Beach in Portugese.
Central African Republic
The capital of the Central African Republic is Bangui. This
small landlocked country is just slightly smaller than Texas. You can see the
video below for lots of photos and clips from this city!
Chad
The capital of Chad is N’Djamena. Originally named Fort-Lamy
(after a French major) the city’s name was changed to N’Djamena in 1973, over a
decade after Chad’s independence from France in 1960.
Chile
The capital of Chile is Santiago, which boasts a confusing
attraction not all capitals can brag about: a clown cemetery.
China
The capital of China is Beijing, although it wasn’t always
called this. Like many capital cities, Beijing has undergone several name
changes over the years. Beijing is actually the 16th name the city has had.
Colombia
The capital of Colombia is Bogota. The name comes from the
city’s original founders, the Muisca people, who once upon a time called the
city Bacatá, which translates to mean “the Lady of the Andes” in the
Chibcha language means.
Comoros
The capital of the Comoros is Moroni. Not all capital cities
have the word “moron” in it, but fun fact: Moroni actually translates to “in
the heart of the fire” in Comorian.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is
Kinshasa. Believe it or not, this city is known for ROBOTS! Yes, there are
robots here who direct traffic. Check out the video below to see them in
action.
Costa Rica
The capital of Costa Rica is San Jose. Fun fact: Due to the
city’s location in a tropical rainforest, you’ll actually encounter rain here
about half of the days of the year. It still looks pretty gorgeous though,
don’t you think?
Côte d’Ivoire
There are two capital cities in Cote d’Ivoire: Yamoussoukro,
the official capital and Abidjan, the de facto capital. One of the most famous
sights in Yamoussoukro is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, which is actually
(according to Guinness World Records) the largest Christian church in the
entire WORLD – yes, it’s even bigger than St Peter’s in Vatican City.
Croatia
The capital of Croatia is Zagreb, and also (in my opinion)
one of the most underrated cities in Europe.
Cuba
The capital of Cuba is Havana, a city known for its
abundance of unique sights and museums, among them museums dedicated to
chocolate, Ernest Hemingway and yes, even Havana Club Rum!
Cyprus
The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia and it’s the world’s only
divided capital city (a Green line partitioned by the UN divides the city into
a Greek section (south) and Turkish section (North). This makes it one of the
most unique capitals of the world.
Nicosia may be one of the lesser known world capitals in
Europe, but it’s beautiful nonetheless. See for yourself:
Czechia (Czech Republic)
The capital of the Czech Republic (AKA Czechia) is Prague.
This is one of my favourite cities in Europe and has been since my first
trip backpacking around Europe.
There are tons of fun things to do in Prague. Not only
is its hilltop castle the largest castle in the entire world, locals here
consume the most beer per capita out of all the world’s countries, which (in my
opinion) would make living in Prague a bucket list experience in
itself… don’t you agree?
PS: Prague is especially pretty at Christmas time. Check out
my guide to Christmas markets in Prague for more.
Denmark
The capital of Denmark is Copenhagen. Not all world capitals
can boast that they are home to the happiest people on Earth, but Copenhagen
sure can!
Put this country capitals list on pause and check out
these must-see sights in Copenhagen.
Djibouti
The capital of Djibouti is (also) called Djibouti. Yes… I’m
trying really hard not to make a yo’ booty joke, but I’ve already done that in
this epic roundup of cheesy pickup lines featuring every country in the
world.
Fun fact: Djibouti is where you’ll find
Lac Assal, the largest salt reserve in the world. It’s located about 120km
away from Djibouti City, but that’s still a pretty cool fact, don’t you think?
Dominica
The capital of Dominica is Roseau. Fun fact about Roseau:
the city is actually surrounded by an abundance of beautiful black sand beaches
since Dominica has 9 (yes, 9!) active volcanos! There are many sulphur pools to
explore too.
Dominican Republic
The capital of the Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo, a
city that is considered to be the oldest European-established city in the
Americas. It was founded by Bartholomew Columbus (Christopher Columbus’
brother) in 1496, which gives the city claim to a lot of “firsts”, including
the oldest cathedral in the Americas, Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la
Menor.
East Timor (Timor-Leste)
The capital of East Timor (AKA Timor-Leste) is Dili. Fun
fact: just off the coast of Dili, there is an island known as Atauro Island
which scientists have said may be home to the most biodiverse waters
in the entire world!
Ecuador
The capital of Ecuador is Quito, which, fun fact, was the
first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Supposedly, the city’s
elevation is also too high for there be any malaria transmission.
Egypt
This is probably one of the best known among the country
capitals in this list but in case you’re wondering, the capital of Egypt is
Cairo. Fun fact: Cairo is the only one out of all the capital cities in the
world to boast an ancient wonder of the world (the pyramids there are actually
the only still remaining ancient wonders on Earth).
El Salvador
The capital of El Salvador is San Salvador. Fun fact: one of
San Salvador’s (many) sister cities is Los Angeles! They’ve been linked as
sister ciies since 2005.
Equatorial Guinea
The capital of Equatorial Guinea is Malabo, located on the
island of Bioko. In addition to being capital, Malabo also happens to be the
oldest city in the country.
Eritrea
The capital of Eritrea is Asmara. Once nicknamed “Little
Rome”, the colonial legacy of Italy can still be felt today throughout the city
thanks to its many Art Deco and modernist buildings.
Estonia
The capital of Estonia is Tallinn. Every five years in July,
the city actually hosts one of the largest choral events in the world, the
Estonian Song Festival, which draws over 30,000 singers!
Ethiopia
The capital of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa which also serves as
the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa (ECA).
Enjoying this world capital list? Be sure to check out the Travel
Guides section of my website for more hands-on practical tips.
Fiji
The capital of Fiji is Suva, which also serves as the
country’s main port.
Government Buildings. Executive wing of Fiji Government
offices. Prime Minister office. High Court, ministries, Parliament. Melanesia,
Oceania, South Pacific Ocean.
Finland
The capital of Finland is Helsinki. Fun fact: the city’s
highest point is a hill known as Malminkartanonhuippu. In other news, I
absolutely adore the Finnish language.
France
The capital of France is Paris.
Of all the names in this capitals of the world list, Paris
is among the most well known and sought after. I definitely haven’t been to all
the capitals in this list, but I’ve been to Paris many times.
Gabon
The capital of Gabon is Libreville.
Fun fact: In 2008, Gabon was recognized with
a Guinness World Record for having the longest serving president in
the world – Omar Bongo, who served from 1967 until his death in 2009, amounting
to a tenure of 42 years.
You can check out the video below for some clips around the
city:
The Gambia
The capital of the Gambia is Banjul, although it was known as
Bathurst until 1973 (after Lord Henry Bathurst).
The name Banjul comes from a Mandinka word for specific
fibres on the island used for rope.
Georgia
The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi.
Its name comes from Old Georgian, and roughly translates to
“warm place”, so-named for its famous sulphur hot springs.
Popular legend says that these hot springs are why a city
was constructed in Tbilisi in the first place, dating back to when King
Vakhtang I of Iberia went hunting in the area in the 5th century, and discovered
the heat of the springs could kill birds instantly when they fell in.
Germany
The capital of Germany is Berlin, one of my
favourite cities in the world!
Berlin is a huge city, with some sources saying it’s
actually 9x larger than fellow European capital, Paris.
You’ll find plenty to do in Berlin for tourists, ranging
from historic monuments like the former Berlin Wall to quirkier attractions
like a museum dedicated to video games.
The city is so huge in fact that Berlin’s Christmas
market scene is made up of over 60 different markets every year!
Ghana
The capital of Ghana is Accra, whose name is derived
from an old Akan word that means “ants”.
Greece
The capital of Greece is Athens.
With an expansive history that goes back thousands of years,
Athens is not only one of the oldest cities in Europe, but also historically
one of the most important capital cities in the world. After all, this is the
birthplace of democracy!
Grenada
The capital of Grenada is Saint George’s.
Fun fact: Grenada is often known as “the Spice Island”
thanks to an abundance of plantations for nutmeg, cinnamon, and of course,
cacao!
Guatemala
The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City,
, which covers 267 square miles and is actually the largest
city in Central America.
Antigua Guatemala actually acted as capital for 200 years,
but after a devastating earthquake that destroyed the city, Guatemala’s capital
was relocated to present day Guatemala City.
Guinea
The capital of Guinea is Conakry.
Fun fact: Guinea is actually often called Guinea-Conakry to
avoid mixing it up with other countries that have “Guinea” in their names, like
Guinea Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
View of the Grand Mosque in Conakry from a bridge
Guinea-Bissau
The capital of Guinea-Bissau is Bissau.
The city dates back to 1687, when it was built by the
Portuguese.
It didn’t become capital until 1942 though, and has remained
so even after the country declared independence.
NOTE: Boe served as de facto capital from 1973-1974, in the
period between Guinea-Bissau declaring independence, and having that
independence officially recognized.
Guyana
The capital of Guyana is Georgetown.
Very fun and random fact: Georgetown has a peculiar entry in
the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s “Most Successful
Lawyer”, a title granted to Sir Lionel Luckhoo who successfully got his clients
245 successive murder-charge acquittals from 1940 to 1985.
Haiti
The capital of Haiti is Port-au-Prince.
As you can probably tell by the name, it’s also the chief
port of Haiti.
Honduras
The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa (try to pronounce
that one, folks!), which has the fun nickname of Cerro de Plata or Silver
Mountain.
Hungary
The capital of Hungary is Budapest, which is known as the
thermal bath capital of the world, thanks to the 70 million litres of thermal
water produced under the city each day. Even hippos at the zoo bathe in this
luxurious bath water.
Iceland
The capital of Iceland is Reykjavik. It’s one of the
quirkiest entries in this capital cities on the world list. After all, where
else can you find a penis museum?
Fun fact: this is the only capital city in the world that
has a major puffin breeding colony.
India
The capital of India is New Delhi, which is the 2nd most
populated city in the world (2nd only to fellow world capital, Tokyo).
Fun fact: Although it is known for being a large chaotic
city, 20% of the land mass here is covered in lush greenery.
Indonesia
The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta, although it has gone
through over a dozen name changes over the years.
Fun fact: Jakarta loves shopping malls! In fact, there are
said to be about 132 scattered around the city.
Looking for more Indonesia travel inspo? Read my
list of amazing islands in Indonesia to visit.
Iran
The capital of Iran is Tehran, a city known for its rich
history and culture. Home to stunning landmarks like the Golestan Palace and
the Milad Tower, Tehran is a vibrant metropolis with. Fun Fact: Tehran is
situated at the foot of the Alborz mountain range.
Iraq
The capital of Iraq is Baghdad, a city founded in 762 and
therefore one of the oldest cities in the world. Known for its iconic
architecture, including the Al-Mustansiriya University and the Al-Shaheed
Monument, Baghdad is a city steeped in rich ancient history.
Fun Fact: Baghdad is situated on the Tigris River, the
second largest river in Western Asia, which flows through four countries: Iran,
Iraq, Syria and Turkey.
Ireland
The capital of Ireland is Dublin, an amazing city renowned
for its friendly atmosphere, lively pubs, and many fun foodie experiences.
Fun fact: Dublin is the birthplace of Guinness,
the world’s most famous stout… and one of their key attractions is the Guinness
Storehouse, which (according to their official website) has a shocking
9000 year lease. 9000!
Israel
The capital of Israel is Jerusalem, whose Old City is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists each
year.
Italy
The capital of Italy is Rome, an iconic city packed with
epic landmarks like the Roman Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill. Oozing
history from every cobble, a visit to Rome is an experience like no other, with
an endless parade of mouthwatering cuisine and fascinating museums all across
the city.
Jamaica
The capital of Jamaica is Kingston, known for its reggae
music and vibrant street life. Fun fact: Kingston is the birthplace of
legendary musician Bob Marley.
Japan
The capital of Japan is Tokyo, a bustling metropolis famed
for its incredible food scene, themed restaurants/cafes, nightlife, and amazing
sights like shrines and the Japanese Imperial Palace.
Fun fact: Tokyo has the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing
at Shibuya, where thousands cross simultaneously.
Of all the capitals in the world I haven’t seen yet, this is
the one I want to visit most! After all, it’s the world capital with the most
top-rated restaurants on Earth 😉
Jordan
The capital of Jordan is Amman, where ancient ruins blend
with a modern cityscape to create a unique destination known as one of the
oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Kazakhstan
As of 2019, the capital of Kazakhstan is known as Nur-Sultan
(formerly called Astana), a city known for its futuristic architecture with
landmarks like Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.
Fun fact: Nursultan is considered one of the coldest
national capitals in the world.
Kenya
The capital of Kenya is Nairobi, often referred to as the
“Green City in the Sun” due to its lush landscapes… which makes sense, sinece
(fun fact) it’s the world’s only capital city to have a national park within
its boundaries.
Kiribati
The capital of Kiribati is Tarawa Atoll, known for its
stunning atolls and marine life. Fun fact: Kiribati is the only country in the
world situated in all four hemispheres.
North Korea
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang.
South Korea
The capital of South Korea is Seoul. It’s a city with soul.
… Sorry, to be frank, this world capital list would have
never been complete without a bad pun.
Anyways, along with Tokyo, Seoul is one of the world capital
cities where residents get the least avg amount of sleep (less than 6 hours per
night).
Kosovo
The capital of Kosovo is Pristina, a rapidly transforming
city with a surprisingly vibrant food and cafe culture (as I got to experience
first-hand on a recent trip). With a mix of Ottoman and Communist-era
architecture, Pristina is a unique destination with a few different landmarks
to see, like the Newborn Monument and the Mother Teresa Square.
Fun fact: The National Library in Pristina has been named in
the past as one of the world’s ugliest buildings… which I don’t really think is
fair! I actually thought it was pretty cool.
Kuwait
The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City, which boasts some
seriously impressive modern architecture alongside a rich maritime history.
Fun fact: Kuwait City’s skyline is dominated by the iconic
Kuwait Towers, originally unveiled in the 70s and designed by Swedish
architects Malene Björn and Sune Lindström of Vatten-Byggnadsbyzan (VBB).
Kyrgyzstan
The capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek, known for its
Soviet-era architecture and mountainous surroundings, although the highlight
for many visitors is a visit to the vibrant Osh Bazaar, considered one of the
largest and busiest bazaars in the country, and a perfect place to dive
straight into Krygyz culture.
Laos
The capital of Laos is Vientiane, a city known for its
laid-back atmosphere and beautiful Buddhist temples. With landmarks like Pha
That Luang and Wat Si Saket, Vientiane showcases the country’s spiritual and
historical heritage.
Fun fact: The name Vientiane means “City of Sandalwood”.
Latvia
The capital of Latvia is Riga, famed for its medieval Old
Town and Art Nouveau architecture.
Fun fact: Riga has one of the world’s widest assortments of
Art Nouveau buildings. Nosily walking around to see them is (in my opinion) one
of the best things to do in Riga.
Lebanon
The capital of Lebanon is Beirut, a city known for its
diverse culture, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife. With landmarks like the
Beirut Souks and the National Museum of Beirut, the city reflects its resilient
spirit.
Fun fact: Beirut is often called the “Paris of the Middle
East.”
Lesotho
The capital of Lesotho is Maseru, a city surrounded by
picturesque mountains and entirely landlocked by South Africa.
With landmarks like the Royal Palace and Thaba-Bosiu, Maseru
offers a glimpse into the unique history of Lesotho, which only gained
independence in 1966.
Liberia
The capital of Liberia is Monrovia, which was actually named
after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. This makes it the
only world capital to be named after a US president… besides Washington, D.C.
of course.
Today, Monrovia is home to almost a third of Liberia’s total
population.
Libya
The capital of Libya is Tripoli, an ancient city with a lot
of amazing history to admire, as seen in the city’s Medina quarter, which is
considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other famous landmarks here include
the Arch of Marcus Aurelius and the Red Castle.
Liechtenstein
The capital of Liechtenstein is Vaduz, known for its
distinctive hilltop castle. Fun fact: once a year, all residents of
Liechtenstein are invited for a drink at the castle garden in honour of the
country’s National Day.
Lithuania
The capital of Lithuania is Vilnius, which (fun fact) is
home to an independently declared republic known as Užupis.
Of all the capital cities I’ve visited in Europe, Vilnius
was among the most surprising and I highly recommend visiting if you’re looking
for an offbeat city break.
Luxembourg
The capital of Luxembourg is Luxembourg City, known for its
medieval fortifications and one of the most underrated capitals in Europe in my
opinion.
This pretty city offers a mix of both medieval and modern
architecture and is for landmarks like the Luxembourg Castle and the Grand
Ducal Palace… as well as immense wealth. As a financial hub, Luxembourg City is
considered one of the wealthiest cities in the world.
Madagascar
The capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo, known for its
intriguing mix of French colonial and traditional Malagasy architecture.
Fun fact: The name Antananarivo means “City of a Thousand”.
Malawi
The capital of Malawai is Lilongwe, a city known for its
laid-back atmosphere and scenic surroundings. With popular sites including the
Lilongwe Wildlife Centre and the Capital Hill, Lilongwe offers a mix of both
nature and culture for visitors.
Fun Fact: Malawi is often referred to as the “Warm Heart of
Africa.”
Malaysia
The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur, a modern city with
impressive skyscrapers and a booming food scene that’s famous the world over.
With landmarks like the Petronas Towers and the Batu Caves,
Kuala Lumpur is a dynamic metropolis that’s perfect for curious tourists.
Maldives
The capital of the Maldives is Malé, located on an atoll in
the Indian Ocean.
Known for landmarks like the Old Friday Mosque and the
Maldives Islamic Centre, Malé looks very different from the beachy resort
islands that the Maldives is famous for, with a skyline densely packed with
high-rise buildings.
Fun Fact: Malé is one of the smallest capital cities in the
world.
Mali
The capital of Mali is Bamako, a city with a lively music
scene and a blend of traditional and modern architecture, with key landamarks
including the Bamako Grand Mosque and the National Museum of Mali.
Malta
The capital of Malta is Valletta, one of the smallest
capitals in the EU, yet one that’s packed with a city with a rich history and
well-preserved architectural gems like the St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the
Grand Master’s Palace.
Marshall Islands
The capital of the Marshall Islands is Majuro, a city
located on an atoll in the Pacific Ocean kown for its coral reefs and World War
II relics.
Mauritania
The capital of Mauritania is Nouakchott, a city located on
an atoll in the Pacific Ocean best known for its coral reefs and World War II
relics.
Mauritius
The capital of Mauritius is Port Louis.
Mexico
The capital of Mexico is Mexico City, a vibrant city
combining a metropolitan vibe and ancient Aztec roots.
With the sprawling Zocalo Square at its core, Mexico City is
a thrilling mosaic of colonial and contemporary architecture… all built on the
site of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, situated 7,000+ feet above
sea level.
The Federated States of Micronesia
The capital of the Federated States of Micronesia is
Palikir, a tropical haven nestled in the Pacific.
With its traditional thatched-roof houses and vibrant coral
reefs, Palikir is a gateway to Micronesia’s cultural and natural wonders.
Fun Fact: Palikir is located on just ONE of Micronesia’s
600+ islands spread across the western Pacific.
Moldova
The capital of Moldova is Chisinau, a city known for its
leafy boulevards, neoclassical architecture, and wine!
Fun Fact: Moldova is known for having one of the world’s
largest wine cellars, the Milestii Mici, which stretches for over 120 miles.
Monaco
Monaco is a city state so there isn’t technically a separate
capital city.
The capital of Monaco would therefore just be Monaco, home
to billionaires, superyachts and the world famous Monaco Grand Prix. It’s still
possible to do Monaco on a budget – trust me, I loved it there during my early
backpacking days.
Mongolia
The capital of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar, a city that blends
nomadic traditions with modern pursuits.
From the grand Gandantegchinlen Monastery to the vast
Genghis Khan Square, the city has a lot of unique sights to offer, all with a
gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
Fun Fact: Mongolia is the least densely populated country in
the world, with vast expanses of untouched wilderness… though you wouldn’t
necessarily be able to tell from its capital.
Montenegro
The capital of Montenegro is Podgorica, a city of bridges,
parks, and Ottoman-era relics nestled at the confluence of two rivers. Though
relatively small compared to other European capitals, Podgorica is home to
almost a third of the entire country’s population.
Morocco
The capital of Morocco is Rabat, a coastal city where
ancient fortresses meet modern boulevards.
With the historic Kasbah of the Udayas and the grand Royal
Palace, Rabat offers a rich experience for both culture and history lovers.
Fun Fact: Morocco is one of only three countries with both
Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. In Rabat, you’ll be marvelling at the
Atlantic Ocean.
Mozambique
The capital of Mozambique is Maputo, a city of Portuguese
influence and coastal charm. From the historic Fortaleza de Maputo to the
bustling Mercado Municipal, the city beckons with its diverse offerings.
Fun Fact: Mozambique’s Maputo Elephant Reserve is home to
some of the last coastal elephants in southern Africa.
Myanmar (Burma)
The capital of Myanmar is Naypyidaw though many citizens
still regard Rangoon (Yangon) to be the capital.
This mysterious capital city has long enforced strict
photography and video laws, so captures of it are rare, but you can check out
the video below for a peek at what it looks like:
Namibia
The capital of Namibia is Windhoek, a city where German
colonial architecture meets rugged African landscapes, with iconic landmarks
including the Christuskirche and the expansive Heroes’ Acre.
Fun Fact: Namibia is home to the world’s oldest desert, the
Namib Desert, which is believed to be around 55 million years old.
Nauru
There is no official capital city in Nauru (the third
smallest country in the world by land area), although the de facto capital
where the government offices are is Yaren.
Nepal
The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu, a vibrant city known for
ancient temples and bustling markets.
From the historic Durbar Square to the spiritual Boudhanath
Stupa, Kathmandu is an exciting place to visit for lovers of culture and
history… especially since it’s home to no less than 7 UNESCO World Heritage
Sites!
Netherlands
The capital of the Netherlands is Amsterdam (an exciting
European capital filled with cool things to do) although the Hague is
where you’ll find the official seat of government.
Fun Fact: Amsterdam has more bicycles than
residents. Read more in my full roundup of Amsterdam fun facts.
New Zealand
The capital of New Zealand is Wellington, a city where hills
meet the harbour in a picturesque postcard view.
With the iconic Beehive and Te Papa Museum, Wellington is a
vibrant cultural hub surrounded by natural beauty… offering a lovely home for
the world’s smallest dolphin, the Hector’s dolphin, said to be found in the
waters around the city!
Nicaragua
The capital of Nicaragua is Managua, located near a lake of
the same name famous for being one of the few lakes in the world that is home
to both saltwater and freshwater species.
Niger
The capital of Niger is Niamey, a city where the Niger River
flows amidst colorful markets and historical landmarks. From the Grand Mosque
to the National Museum, Niamey captures the essence of West African culture.
Fun Fact: Niger is home to the largest protected area of
wildlife in Africa, the Air and Tenere Natural Reserves.
Nigeria
The capital of Nigeria is Abuja, a city of modern
architecture and political significance. With the Nigerian National Mosque and
Aso Rock, Abuja stands as a symbol of unity and progress.
Fun Fact: Abuja was chosen as the capital of Nigeria in
1991, succeeding Lagos.
North Macedonia
The capital of Macedonia is Skopje, a unique city where
ancient history and modern architecture intertwine. What was most striking to
me though was its abundance of statues.
There’s hundreds of them all over the city, so you’ll find
one on pretty much every street. Part of a ploy to attract more tourism, this
city quirk is now more an inside joke among locals and travellers than anything
else.
Fun Fact: Skopje is one of the oldest continuously inhabited
cities in Europe.
Norway
The capital of Norway is Oslo, a city where sweeping natural
beauty meets urban sophistication.
From the historic Akershus Fortress to the contemporary Oslo
Opera House, the city (one of the fastest growing capitals in Europe) has
plenty to offer.
Oman
The capital of Oman is Muscat, one of the Middle East’s
oldest cities. From the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to the bustling
Mutrah Souq, Muscat offers plenty of unique cultural experiences, bundled in a
scenic package known for is gorgeous white-washed buildings.
Pakistan
The capital of Pakistan is Islamabad, a city nestled against
the backdrop of the Margalla Hills. With the iconic Faisal Mosque and Pakistan
Monument as main must-sees, fun fact: Islamabad is one of the few capital
cities in the world that was purposefully built to be a capital.
Palau
The capital of Palau is Melekeok, a city where lush greenery
surrounds modern governmental buildings in one the world’s youngest capitals.
Panama
The capital of Panama is Panama City, a dynamic city
combining history and modernity at the crossroads of the Americas. With the
iconic Panama Canal and the vibrant Casco Viejo, the city is a melting pot of
cultures.
Fun Fact: The Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering,
connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Papua New Guinea
The capital of Papua New Guinea is Port Moresby, a city
boasting natural beauty in spades, with main attractions like the Parliament
House and the National Museum.
Fun Fact: Papua New Guinea is one of the most linguistically
diverse countries in the world, with over 800 languages spoken.
Paraguay
The capital of Paraguay is Asunción (officially Nuestra
Señora Santa María de la Asunción), which is actually one of the oldest cities
in South America, founded in 1537.
From the National Pantheon of the Heroes to the vibrant Ñu
Guasu Park, Asunción has plenty to offer visitors, including a rich cultural
scene and vibrant nightlife.
Peru
The capital of Peru is Lima, a city where ancient history
meets contemporary culture, with main attractions including Plaza Mayor and the
Larco Museum.
Fun Fact: Lima is considered the “Gastronomic Capital of the
Americas,” meaning there’s plenty for foodies to enjoy here as well.
Philippines
The bustling capital of the Philippines is Manila, a city of
contrasts that blends historic landmarks with modern skyscrapers, from the
historic Intramuros to the vibrant Makati district.
Fun Fact: Manila is one of the most densely populated cities
in the world.
Poland
The capital of Poland is Warsaw, a city known for its
reconstructed architecture and green spaces, with the Royal Castle and vibrant
Old Town Market Square being key highlights for visitors.
Fun Fact: Warsaw’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
and was meticulously reconstructed after being nearly destroyed during World
War II.
Portugal
The capital of Portugal is Lisbon, a city that I adore! This
vibrant capital is a wonderland of breathtaking hills, historic charm, and
maritime allure.
From the historic Belém Tower to the colorful Alfama
district, Lisbon is a culture-packed paradise filled with unique sights and fun
activites.
Fun Fact: Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Western
Europe, predating other European capitals such as Paris and Rome by centuries.
Qatar
The ultra-modern capital of Qatar is Doha, a city where
futuristic skyscrapers rise alongside traditional markets and cultural
landmarks, with the iconic Museum of Islamic Art and the vibrant Souq Waqif as
key visitor highlights.
There’s also the Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, which houses
artifacts spanning over 1,400 years.
Romania
The capital of Romania is Bucharest and is, in my opinion,
one of the most underrated capitals in Europe!
As a city of contrasts blending medieval charm and
Communist-era architecture, there are a number of cool surprises that await
here for visitors, including the world’s largest spa next to the airport and
even the world’s heaviest building, a title that supposedly goes to Bucharest’s
Palace of the Parliament.
Russia
The capital of Russia is Moscow, known for its historic Red
Square, the Kremlin, and a rich cultural heritage.
Fun Fact: Moscow’s Metro system, one of the busiest in the
world, doubles as an underground art museum with its opulent station designs.
Rwanda
The capital of Rwanda is Kigali, a city reborn from
adversity, and celebrated for its cleanliness and progressive urban planning.
Fun Fact: Kigali, located in the heart of Africa, is one of
the few capitals situated in the central time zone.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
The capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis is Basseterre, a city
with lots of idyllic coastal charm to offer as well as some prominent visitors
attractions like the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress.
Saint Lucia
The capital of Saint Lucia is Castries, known for its
vibrant markets and as a starting point for exploring Saint Lucia’s natural
beauty.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is
Kingstown, a picturesque harbour city steeped in history, and often used as a
gateway to the Grenadine islands.
Fun Fact: Kingstown boasts the oldest botanical gardens in
the Western Hemisphere.
Samoa
The capital of Samoa is Apia, a South Pacific paradise famed
for its traditional Samoan architecture and relaxed atmosphere.
Fun Fact: Apia is one of the first places to welcome the New
Year due to its location near the International Date Line.
San Marino
The capital of San Marino is known as San Marino (or
sometimes San Marino City). Tiny as it might be, this country is actually the
world’s oldest republic, making up for its size with ample medieval charm and
panoramic views.
Fun Fact: The entire country of San Marino is entirely
landlocked and surrounded by Italy.
Sao Tome and Principe
The capital of Sao Tome and Principe is Sao Tome, a tropical
haven with Portuguese influence in the form of colonial-era architecture and
cocoa plantations.
Fun Fact: Sao Tome, situated on the equator, is part of an
extinct volcanic mountain rising from the ocean floor.
Saudi Arabia
The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh, a city of modernity
and tradition known for its futuristic skyline and cultural landmarks.
Fun Fact: Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre Tower, one of the world’s
tallest buildings with a sky bridge, is meant to symbolize Saudi Arabia’s economic
progress.
Senegal
The capital of Senegal is Dakar, a bustling coastal city
(actually the Westernmost city in mainland Africa) known as cultural hub with
vibrant markets and a lively music scene. It’s actually
Fun Fact: Dakar’s African Renaissance Monument is actually
the tallest statue on the continent, standing at 52 metres tall.
Serbia
The capital of Serbia is Belgrade, AKA the “White City”.
This lively city sits at the confluence of two rivers and has been continuously
inhabited for over 7,000 years.
Seychelles
The capital of the Seychelles is Victoria, a tropical
paradise on Mahé Island known for its turquoise waters and unique flora. It
also happens to be one of the world’s smallest capitals.
Fun Fact: The Victoria clocktower is a smaller replica of
the “Little Ben” found in London at Victoria Station and Vauxhall Bridge Road.
Sierra Leone
The capital of Sierra Leone is Freetown, a coastal city with
captivating street life and sandy beaches.
Fun Fact: Freetown is home to one of the world’s largest
natural harbours.
Singapore
Since Singapore is a city state, it is technically its own
capital, which means that the capital of Singapore is Singapore.
Celebrated for its modern architecture, diverse cuisine, and
efficient public transport, Singapore’s most prominent landmark is no doubt the
iconic Marina Bay Sands, home to the world’s highest and longest infinity pool.
Slovakia
The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava, a charming city on
the banks of the Danube, boasting beautiful medieval architecture and an iconic
hilltop castle.
Fun Fact: Bratislava is the only capital bordering two
independent countries (Austria and Hungary).
Slovenia
The capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana.
Solomon Islands
The capital of the Solomon Islands is Honiara.
Somalia
The capital of Somalia is Mogadishu.
South Africa
In South Africa, there is no legally defined capital city.
Three cities are considered “capitals”: Pretoria, the administrative capital;
Cape Town, the legislative capital and Bloemfontein, the judiciary capital.
South Sudan
The capital of South Sudan is Juba.
Spain
The capital of Spain is Madrid.
Sri Lanka
The legislative capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayewardenepura
Kotte. Colombo is considered the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and is also
the country’s largest city.
Sudan
The capital of Sudan is Khartoum.
Suriname
The capital of Suriname is Paramaribo.
Swaziland
The capital of Swaziland is Mbabane.
Sweden
The capital of Sweden is Stockholm, a beautiful city that I
highly recommend visiting
Switzerland
The capital of Switzerland is Bern.
Syria
The capital of Syria is Damascus.
Taiwan
The capital of Taiwan is Taipei.
Tajikistan
The capital of Tajikistan is Dushanbe.
Tanzania
The capital of Tanzania is Dodoma (declared in 1974),
whereas Dar es Salaam was the first capital.
Thailand
The capital of Thailand is Bangkok.
Togo
The capital of Togo is Lome.
Tonga
The capital of Tonga is Nuku’alofa.
Trinidad and Tobago
The capital of Trinidad and Tobago is Port-of-Spain.
Tunisia
The capital of Tunisia is Tunis.
Turkey
The capital of Turkey is Ankara.
Turkmenistan
The capital of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat.
Tuvalu
The capital of Tuvalu is Funafuti.
Most prominent building on Funafuti atoll is Fetu Ao Lima,
Morning Star Church, of the Church of Tuvalu. Tausoa Lima Falekaupule, the
traditional meeting house, seen in the back. Polynesia, Oceania.
Uganda
The capital of Uganda is Kampala.
Ukraine
The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv.
United Arab Emirates
The capital of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi.
United Kingdom
The capital of the United Kingdom is London.
While London is probably the most well known name in this
capital cities list, I still need to tell you a few fun facts about it 😉
Over 300 languages are spoken in London, making it one of the most diverse
world capitals on Earth. It also has over 170 museums.
United States of America
The capital of the United States of America is Washington
D.C.
Uruguay
The capital of Uruguay is Montevideo.
Uzbekistan
The capital of Uzbekistan is Tashkent.
Vanuatu
The capital of Vanuatu is Port-Vila.
Vatican City (Holy See)
Vatican City is a city state and so there is no separate
capital city, but it’s tiny and you can easily see it all in half a day. Check
out these views:
Venezuela
The capital of Venezuela is Caracas.
Vietnam
The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi. The name of this world capital
actually means “city inside rivers”.
Yemen
The capital of Yemen is Sanaa.
Zambia
The capital of Zambia is Lusaka.
Zimbabwe
Finally: the last entry in this capital list! The capital of
Zimbabwe is Harare.
Capital cities in Europe
|
Country |
Capital City |
|
Mariehamn |
|
|
Tirana |
|
|
Andorra la Vella |
|
|
Vienna |
|
|
Minsk |
|
|
Brussels |
|
|
Sarajevo |
|
|
Sofia |
|
|
Zagreb |
|
|
Prague |
|
|
Copenhagen |
|
|
Tallinn |
|
|
Tórshavn |
|
|
Helsinki |
|
|
Paris |
|
|
Berlin |
|
|
Gibraltar |
|
|
Athens |
|
|
Saint Peter Port |
|
|
Budapest |
|
|
Reykjavík |
|
|
Dublin |
|
|
Douglas |
|
|
Rome |
|
|
Saint Helier |
|
|
Pristina |
|
|
Riga |
|
|
Vaduz |
|
|
Vilnius |
|
|
Luxembourg |
|
|
Valletta |
|
|
Chisinau |
|
|
Monaco |
|
|
Podgorica |
|
|
Amsterdam |
|
|
Skopje |
|
|
Oslo |
|
|
Warsaw |
|
|
Lisbon |
|
|
Bucharest |
|
|
Moscow |
|
|
San Marino |
|
|
Belgrade |
|
|
Bratislava |
|
|
Ljubljana |
|
|
Madrid |
|
|
Longyearbyen |
|
|
Stockholm |
|
|
Bern |
|
|
Kyiv |
|
|
London |
|
|
Vatican City |
Capital cities in the Americas
|
Country |
Capital City |
|
The Valley |
|
|
Saint John’s |
|
|
Buenos Aires |
|
|
Oranjestad |
|
|
Nassau |
|
|
Bridgetown |
|
|
Belmopan |
|
|
Hamilton |
|
|
Sucre |
|
|
Brasilia |
|
|
Road Town |
|
|
Ottawa |
|
|
George Town |
|
|
Santiago |
|
|
Bogota |
|
|
San José |
|
|
Havana |
|
|
Willemstad |
|
|
Roseau |
|
|
Santo Domingo |
|
|
Quito |
|
|
San Salvador |
|
|
Stanley |
|
|
Cayenne |
|
|
Nuuk |
|
|
Saint George's |
|
|
Basse-Terre |
|
|
Guatemala City |
|
|
Georgetown |
|
|
Port-au-Prince |
|
|
Tegucigalpa |
|
|
Kingston |
|
|
Fort-de-France |
|
|
Mexico City |
|
|
Brades |
|
|
Managua |
|
|
Panama City |
|
|
Asunción |
|
|
Lima |
|
|
San Juan |
|
|
Gustavia |
|
|
Basseterre |
|
|
Castries |
|
|
Saint-Pierre |
|
|
Kingstown |
|
|
Philipsburg |
|
|
King Edward Point |
|
|
Marigot |
|
|
Paramaribo |
|
|
Port-of-Spain |
|
|
Cockburn Town |
|
|
Washington, D.C. |
|
|
Montevideo |
|
|
Caracas |
|
|
Charlotte Amalie |
Capital cities in Asia
|
Country |
Capital City |
|
Kabul |
|
|
Yerevan |
|
|
Baku |
|
|
Manama |
|
|
Dhaka |
|
|
Thimphu |
|
|
Bandar Seri Begawan |
|
|
Phnom Penh |
|
|
Beijing |
|
|
Nicosia |
|
|
Dili |
|
|
Tbilisi |
|
|
Hong Kong |
|
|
New Delhi |
|
|
Jakarta |
|
|
Tehran |
|
|
Baghdad |
|
|
Jerusalem |
|
|
Tokyo |
|
|
Amman |
|
|
Nursultan |
|
|
Kuwait City |
|
|
Bishkek |
|
|
Vientiane |
|
|
Beirut |
|
|
Concelho de Macau |
|
|
Kuala Lumpur |
|
|
Malé |
|
|
Ulaanbaatar |
|
|
Nay Pyi Taw |
|
|
Kathmandu |
|
|
Pyongyang |
|
|
Muscat |
|
|
Islamabad |
|
|
Ramallah (resp. East Jerusalem) |
|
|
Manila |
|
|
Doha |
|
|
Riyadh |
|
|
Singapore |
|
|
Seoul |
|
|
Colombo |
|
|
Damascus |
|
|
Taipei |
|
|
Dushanbe |
|
|
Bangkok |
|
|
Ankara |
|
|
Ashgabat |
|
|
Abu Dhabi |
|
|
Tashkent |
|
|
Hanoi |
|
|
Sanaa |
Capital cities in Africa
|
Country |
Capital City |
|
Algiers |
|
|
Luanda |
|
|
Porto-Novo |
|
|
Gaborone |
|
|
Ouagadougou |
|
|
Bujumbura |
|
|
Yaounde |
|
|
Praia |
|
|
Bangui |
|
|
N'Djamena |
|
|
Moroni |
|
|
Brazzaville |
|
|
Kinshasa |
|
|
Djibouti City |
|
|
Cairo |
|
|
Malabo |
|
|
Asmara |
|
|
Mbabane |
|
|
Addis Ababa |
|
|
Libreville |
|
|
Banjul |
|
|
Accra |
|
|
Conakry |
|
|
Bissau |
|
|
Yamoussoukro |
|
|
Nairobi |
|
|
Maseru |
|
|
Monrovia |
|
|
Tripoli |
|
|
Antananarivo |
|
|
Lilongwe |
|
|
Bamako |
|
|
Nouakchott |
|
|
Port Louis |
|
|
Mamoudzou |
|
|
Rabat |
|
|
Maputo |
|
|
Windhoek |
|
|
Niamey |
|
|
Abuja |
|
|
Saint-Denis |
|
|
Kigali |
|
|
Jamestown |
|
|
São Tomé |
|
|
Dakar |
|
|
Victoria |
|
|
Freetown |
|
|
Mogadishu |
|
|
Pretoria |
|
|
Juba |
|
|
Khartoum |
|
|
Dodoma |
|
|
Lomé |
|
|
Tunis |
|
|
Kampala |
|
|
El Aaiún |
|
|
Lusaka |
|
|
Harare |
Capitals of Oceania
|
Country |
Capital City |
|
Pago Pago |
|
|
Canberra |
|
|
Flying Fish Cove |
|
|
West Island |
|
|
Avarua |
|
|
Suva |
|
|
Papeete |
|
|
Hagåtña |
|
|
Tarawa |
|
|
Majuro |
|
|
Yaren |
|
|
Nouméa |
|
|
Wellington |
|
|
Alofi |
|
|
Kingston |
|
|
Saipan |
|
|
Port Moresby |
|
|
Adamstown |
|
|
Apia |
|
|
Honiara |
|
|
Nuku‘alofa |
|
|
Funafuti |
|
|
Port-Vila |
|
|
Mata-Utu |