Looking for a list of world capitals? You’re in the right place!

But first – I have to apologize in advance for this very, very nerdtastic post. Here’s the truth though: once upon a time, it was my dream to memorize ALL the world capitals on Earth.

I grew up practically hugging a world globe (this exact one, actually) and duh, one of my most prized possessions these days is my scratchable world map, which satisfies my wanderlust & (borderline troubling) love for scratch cards, all in one satisfying swoop.

So yes, ambitious young me somehow thought it would be “cool” to one day memorize all the capital cities of the world. And while my definition of “cool hasn’t really improved much (after all, last year I literally wrote a list of pickup lines for every single world country), I thought it was time to do a different kind of roundup… this time, a compilation of ALL the world capitals (with photos to boot).

The most fascinating thing about this world is its diversity, which is what made this post SO much fun to put together… I hope you enjoy this visual tour through all the world’s capital cities 🙂

Because I haven’t (yet) visited all these capitals for myself, the majority of these photos are sourced from stock photo sites. That said, a few of mine did sneak in there. Can you guess which ones? 😉

Anyways, you must be wondering: what are all the capitals in the world? Well, here is a complete list of world capitals for all the 196 independent countries of the world as recognized by the United Nations. Scroll further down to see all the photos… I promise they’re cool to see! Enjoy.

Tell me in the comments: How many world capitals have you been to?

Save this post for later on Pinterest:

Countries and Capitals List (With Photos)

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! Click here to see some more photos from this beautiful country.

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. Here’s why I consider it Croatia’s cool kid.

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 (source).

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.

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.

Take a break form this countries capital list and check out my 48 hour diary from Helsinki.

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. Click here to read my roundup of mistakes to avoid during your first visit.

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.

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 (source).

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 (source).

Want a break from this list of countries with their capitals? Click here to read about 6 offbeat activities you can do in Iceland.

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 (source).

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 (source).

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.

Want to learn more? Here are some of my best posts about Rome:

• My 3 days in Rome itinerary
• My top Rome travel tips

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.

Curious to see more? Here are some photos from my visit to Liechtenstein, and be sure to read my full post on why I think Liechtenstein should be on your bucket list.

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.

Here are some of the articles that I’ve written about the Lithuanian capital:

• The Best Things to do in Vilnius, Lithuania
• Vilnius, Lithuania: An Unexpected City Break Packed with Awesome

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.

Curious to learn more? Read my guide on the best things to do in Luxembourg City!

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.

Here are some Malta articles you might be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in Malta for TV & Film Lovers
• The Ultimate Game of Thrones Guide to Malta
• Malta in April: Itinerary Inspiration & Photo Diary
• 31 Photos of Malta that Will Ignite Your Wanderlust

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.

Read more in my guide on how to enjoy Monaco on a budget.

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!

Curious to learn more? Click here for a locals’ guide to 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.

Want to learn more? Here are some of my Lisbon articles:

• Unique & Fun Things to Do in Lisbon
• Lisbon 2 Day Itinerary
• Mistakes to Avoid in Lisbon

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.

Learn more in my article about hidden gems in Bucharest.

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.

Click here for a locals’ guide to Singapore!

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPsLD0EDfAU

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! Click here to check out my Stockholm photo diary.

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.

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.

Click here to read my guide on how to save money in London. After all, it’s a pretty pricey world capital!

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.

A Full List of World Capitals (Sorted in alphabetical order)

Country	Capital
Afghanistan	Kabul
Albania	Tirana
Algeria	Algiers
Andorra	Andorra la Vella
Angola	Luanda
Antigua and Barbuda	Saint John's
Argentina	Buenos Aires
Armenia	Yerevan
Australia	Canberra
Austria	Vienna
Azerbaijan	Baku
The Bahamas	Nassau
Bahrain	Manama
Bangladesh	Dhaka
Barbados	Bridgetown
Belarus	Minsk
Belgium	Brussels
Belize	Belmopan
Benin	Porto-Novo
Bhutan	Thimphu
Bolivia	Administrative: La Paz Judicial: Sucre
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Sarajevo
Botswana	Gaborone
Brazil	Brasilia
Brunei	Bandar Seri Begawan
Bulgaria	Sofia
Burkina Faso	Ouagadougou
Burundi	Bujumbura
Cambodia	Phnom Penh
Cameroon	Yaounde
Canada	Ottawa
Cape Verde	Praia
Central African Republic	Bangui
Chad	N'Djamena
Chile	Santiago
China	Beijing
Colombia	Bogota
Comoros	Moroni
The Republic of the Congo	Brazzaville
The Democratic Republic of the Congo	Kinshasa
Costa Rica	San Jose
Cote d'Ivoire	Official: Yamoussoukro De Facto: Abidjan
Croatia	Zagreb
Cuba	Havana
Cyprus	Nicosia
Czech Republic	Prague
Denmark	Copenhagen
Djibouti	Djibouti
Dominica	Roseau
Dominican Republic	Santo Domingo
East Timor (Timor-Leste)	Dili
Ecuador	Quito
Egypt	Cairo
El Salvador	San Salvador
Equatorial Guinea	Malabo
Eritrea	Asmara
Estonia	Tallinn
Ethiopia	Addis Ababa
Fiji	Suva
Finland	Helsinki
France	Paris
Gabon	Libreville
The Gambia	Banjul
Georgia	Tbilisi
Germany	Berlin
Ghana	Accra
Greece	Athens
Grenada	Saint George's
Guatemala	Guatemala City
Guinea	Conakry
Guinea-Bissau	Bissau
Guyana	Georgetown
Haiti	Port-au-Prince
Honduras	Tegucigalpa
Hungary	Budapest
Iceland	Reykjavik
India	New Delhi
Indonesia	Jakarta
Iran	Tehran
Iraq	Baghdad
Ireland	Dublin
Israel	Jerusalem
Italy	Rome
Jamaica	Kingston
Japan	Tokyo
Jordan	Amman
Kazakhstan	Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana)
Kenya	Nairobi
Kiribati	Tarawa Atoll
North Korea	Pyongyang
South Korea	Seoul
Kosovo	Pristina
Kuwait	Kuwait City
Kyrgyzstan	Bishkek
Laos	Vientiane
Latvia	Riga
Lebanon	Beirut
Lesotho	Maseru
Liberia	Monrovia
Libya	Tripoli
Liechtenstein	Vaduz
Lithuania	Vilnius
Luxembourg	Luxembourg
(North) Macedonia	Skopje
Madagascar	Antananarivo
Malawi	Lilongwe
Malaysia	Kuala Lumpur
Maldives	Male
Mali	Bamako
Malta	Valletta
Marshall Islands	Majuro
Mauritania	Nouakchott
Mauritius	Port Louis
Mexico	Mexico City
Federated States of Micronesia	Palikir
Moldova	Chisinau
Monaco	Monaco (City State)
Mongolia	Ulaanbaatar
Montenegro	Podgorica
Morocco	Rabat
Mozambique	Maputo
Myanmar	Naypyidaw
Namibia	Windhoek
Nauru	No official capital - de facto capital is Yaren
Nepal	Kathmandu
The Netherlands	Amsterdam
New Zealand	Wellington
Nicaragua	Managua
Niger	Niamey
Nigeria	Abuja
Norway	Oslo
Oman	Muscat
Pakistan	Islamabad
Palau	Melekeok
Panama	Panama City
Papua New Guinea	Port Moresby
Paraguay	Asuncion
Peru	Lima
The Philippines	Manila
Poland	Warsaw
Portugal	Lisbon
Qatar	Doha
Romania	Bucharest
Russia	Moscow
Rwanda	Kigali
Saint Kitts and Nevis	Basseterre
Saint Lucia	Castries
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	Kingstown
Samoa	Apia
San Marino	San Marino (City State)
Sao Tome and Principe	Sao Tome
Saudi Arabia	Riyadh
Senegal	Dakar
Serbia	Belgrade
Seychelles	Victoria
Sierra Leone	Freetown
Singapore	Singapore (City State)
Slovakia	Bratislava
Slovenia	Ljubljana
Solomon Islands	Honiara
Somalia	Mogadishu
South Africa	Administrative: Pretoria Legislative: Cape Town Judiciary: Bloemfontein
South Sudan	Juba
Spain	Madrid
Sri Lanka	Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
Sudan	Khartoum
Suriname	Paramaribo
Swaziland	Mbabane
Sweden	Stockholm
Switzerland	Bern
Syria	Damascus
Taiwan	Taipei
Tajikistan	Dushanbe
Tanzania	Dodoma
Thailand	Bangkok
Togo	Lome
Tonga	Nuku'alofa
Trinidad and Tobago	Port-of-Spain
Tunisia	Tunis
Turkey	Ankara
Turkmenistan	Ashgabat
Tuvalu	Funafuti
Uganda	Kampala
Ukraine	Kyiv
United Arab Emirates	Abu Dhabi
United Kingdom	London
United States of America	Washington D.C.
Uruguay	Montevideo
Uzbekistan	Tashkent
Vanuatu	Port-Vila
Vatican City (Holy See)	Vatican City
Venezuela	Caracas
Vietnam	Hanoi
Yemen	Sanaa
Zambia	Lusaka
Zimbabwe	Harare

Thanks for reading this list of World Capitals!

I hope you enjoyed that crazy long list of capital cities, ft. country capitals from around the world! Any more questions or comments? Feel free to ask away in the comments. To my knowledge, all countries and their capitals are listed in this article, but if I missed anything, let me know!