How well do you know the capitals of the world? From Europe to Asia, the Americas to Africa, test your geography knowledge with 10 carefully selected questions. This world capitals quiz covers both famous and tricky capitals — perfect for students, geography fans, and trivia nights.
Q: Why is Canberra Australia's capital and not Sydney?
A: Canberra was chosen as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne.
When the Australian states federated in 1901, Sydney and Melbourne both wanted to be capital. A new site between them was selected; Canberra was founded in 1913.
Q: When did Brasília become Brazil's capital?
A: In 1960.
President Juscelino Kubitschek ordered a new capital built from scratch in central Brazil to spur development inland and reduce coastal concentration.
Q: Does South Africa have more than one capital?
A: Yes — three capitals for three branches of government.
This unusual arrangement stems from historical compromises between British colonies and Boer republics during the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910.
The capital of Australia is Canberra, not Sydney. Canberra was chosen as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne when the states federated in 1901.
Brasília is the capital of Brazil. The city was purpose-built and officially inaugurated on 21 April 1960.
South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).
Yes. Tokyo has been the official capital of Japan since 1869.
Ottawa, in the province of Ontario, is the capital of Canada.