What is the Capital of Australia?
Canberra is the Capital of Australia.
Canberra, which lies at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory, is the eighth largest city of the country in terms of population. Covering an area of 314.4 square miles, Canberra had a population of 403,468 residents, as of 2016. Mount Majura, which has a height of 2,913 feet, is the highest point in the city. The city is also home to many other large hills such as Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie, Mount Taylor, and Mount Mugga Mugga. The city comprises the residences of the Prime Minister of Australia and the Governor-General and is also home to numerous government offices.
Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, the region now known as Canberra was inhabited by Indigenous Australians. Europeans began arriving in the region in the early 19th century and throughout the century their population grew steadily. The period also witnessed the decline of the indigenous population due to diseases.
During the 19th century, the British formed six colonies, which had their own governments. In 1901, the six colonies formed the Commonwealth of Australia and the decision was taken to build a new capital of the country in New South Wales, as it was a compromise between the two contending cities of Melbourne and Sydney. During the time the new capital was under construction, Melbourne was to be the seat of the government of Australia. On March 12, 1913, Canberra was officially chosen as the name of the city.
Canberra is a popular tourist destination. Some of the places worth visiting in the city are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin, National Gallery of Australia, National Library of Australia, Australian National Botanic Gardens, National Zoo, and Aquarium, among others.
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