What is the Capital of Australia?
VerifiedAnswer: Canberra
Explanation:
Canberra is the capital city of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This might surprise many people who often think Sydney or Melbourne would be the capital, given their larger size and international recognition. However, Canberra was specifically chosen and designed to be Australia's capital city.
The selection of Canberra as the capital has an interesting historical background. When Australia became a federation in 1901, there was intense rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne over which city should become the national capital. To resolve this conflict, the Australian government decided to create an entirely new city that would serve as a compromise solution between the two competing cities.
Canberra was established in 1913 and officially became the seat of government when Parliament House was opened. The city was carefully planned and designed by American architect Walter Burley Griffin, who won an international design competition. His vision created a city with wide boulevards, circular patterns, and integration with the natural landscape, making Canberra unique among world capitals.
Today, Canberra serves as the political heart of Australia, housing important institutions including Parliament House, the High Court of Australia, and various government departments. The city is also home to national cultural institutions like the Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia, and the National Museum of Australia. With a population of approximately 430,000 people, Canberra continues to grow as both a center of government and a vibrant modern city.
