It was on the historical date of April 21st, 1782, when King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke established the city of Rattanakosin on the eastern shores of the Chao Phraya River. This date marked the beginnings of a city that would burgeon into an international capital with the lengthiest moniker, comprising 169 characters. Known colloquially as ‘Krungthep’, the city, synonymous with vibrant streets and a flurry of cultural festivities, is none other than Bangkok. Its allure has steadily risen among Indian tourists, experiencing a notable spike since November of the previous year.
Fast forward to April 21st, 1960, another landmark was achieved in the realm of capital cities. A city was ingeniously crafted to become the new heart of its nation, relocating the capital from its coastal predecessor. With an ingenious layout mirroring the form of an airplane and lauded for its architectural innovation, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. This city, dubbed Brasilia, derives its name from the same roots as the nation it represents, which in turn traces its name back to a tree celebrated for its deep red hues.
In the tableau of capital cities, one country stands out due to its distinctive feature of not having just one, but rather three capitals, each embodying a separate branch of government. Pretoria takes on the role of the administrative capital, while Bloemfontein oversees the judiciary. But the legislative capital, located in South Africa, is the scenic and historical city of Cape Town.
Crossing over to Europe, another capital’s genesis weaves a tale of three underlying cities – Pest, Óbuda, and Buda. The amalgamation of these settlements birthed a capital known as Budapest, with its name reflecting its composite origins. This Hungarian capital mesmerizes visitors with its therapeutic thermal baths and the picturesque Buda Hills.
Exploring the political geography further, there exist nations with dual capitals – one ceremonial and the other practical. In the Netherlands, The Hague stands as the operational hub, accommodating governmental and administrative offices, along with the International Court of Justice. However, Amsterdam holds the title of the official capital, befitting its historical and constitutional significance.
High above sea level, at an astounding 4,061 meters, El Alto International Airport, Bolivia distinguishes itself as the loftiest airport designed to handle international traffic. Due to the rarified air at this altitude, aircraft operations are faced with exceptional limitations, particularly regarding weight capacities. This airport serves the de facto capital, La Paz, catering to both its residents and international visitors alike.
Veering towards the north, we find the world’s most northerly capital, Reykjavik of Iceland, which is also the westernmost capital in Europe. Despite its modest population of around 1.2 lakh, composing a third of the entire national population, it pulsates with life and activity. In old Norse, its name translates to ‘Bay of Smokes’, hinting at the geothermal wonders that abound in the region.
The honor of the second highest capital rests with Quito, situated at a lofty 2,850 meters above sea level on the Ecuadorian slopes of an active volcano. Perched just shy of the equator, it is the closest capital to zero-degree latitude, residing marginally to the south of this imaginary line.
Turning our gaze to the flowing waters of the Danube River, it stitches together four significant European capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade. More than just political centers, these capitals boast a rich cultural tapestry and have emerged as hotspots for tourism, seamlessly connected by the river’s enduring aquatic artery.
Finally, Nauru presents a unique case as the sole country on the globe without an officially designated capital. As the tiniest republic, this Pacific island nation attracted worldwide notice for its substantial phosphate deposits, which have since been subjected to conscientious extraction practices.
In summary, the geopolitical landscape of capital cities is as diverse as it is intriguing, offering a kaleidoscope of history, culture, and natural beauty to the curious traveler. These capitals are not merely destinations but stories and legacies etched onto the map of our world.
