What is the capital of Australia?
VerifiedAnswer: Canberra
Explanation:
Canberra is the capital city of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Many students are surprised to learn this because they often assume Sydney or Melbourne would be the capital, given their larger populations and international recognition.
The choice of Canberra as Australia's 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 dispute, the Australian Constitution included a compromise: the capital would be located in New South Wales (giving Sydney's state the honor), but it had to be at least 100 miles away from Sydney (preventing Sydney from having too much advantage).
After careful consideration of various locations, the site for Canberra was chosen in 1908. The area was selected for several practical reasons: it had a good water supply, pleasant climate, and was strategically positioned between Sydney and Melbourne. The name "Canberra" comes from the local Aboriginal word "Kamberra," which means "meeting place."
Canberra was officially founded in 1913, making it a relatively young capital city compared to others around the world. The city was carefully planned from the ground up, with American architect Walter Burley Griffin winning an international competition to design the new capital. His plan featured a geometric layout with important buildings positioned around artificial lakes and broad avenues.
Today, Canberra serves as the seat of the Australian government and houses important national institutions. The city is home to Parliament House, where the Prime Minister and federal politicians work, the High Court of Australia, and numerous government departments. It also features significant cultural institutions like the Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia, and the National Museum of Australia.
While Canberra has a smaller population compared to Sydney or Melbourne (around 430,000 people), it plays a crucial role as Australia's political and administrative center. The city is known for its high quality of life, excellent educational institutions including the Australian National University, and beautiful planned landscapes featuring parks, gardens, and the artificial Lake Burley Griffin at its heart.
