What is the capital city of Australia?

Canberra is the capital city of Australia, a designation that was established in 1913 to create a political center distinct from the major cities of Sydney and Melbourne. The selection of Canberra as the capital was part of a compromise between those two cities, as both had significant arguments for capital status due to their size, economic strength, and cultural influence.

Canberra is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and was purpose-built with a focus on being the center of government and diplomacy. It houses the national parliament, the High Court of Australia, and various important government agencies, as well as embassies and high commissions.

This unique status provides insights into Australia's political structure, reinforcing the idea that the capital is not just a geographical point but also a hub of governance, making it critical for understanding Australia's administrative landscape.