Top 3 countries whose capitals are most commonly mistaken: Australia, the U.S., and Turkey

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Everyone knows that Taiwan’s capital is Taipei, so when it comes to Australia’s capital, many might blurt out “Sydney,” right? But in fact, Australia’s capital is “Canberra.” Many countries have cities that are more famous than their capitals, leading to frequent mix-ups. That’s why a Japanese website once conducted a large-scale survey among men and women on the topic of “countries whose capitals are most easily mistaken.” Let’s take a look at which countries’ capitals are often gotten wrong.

Japanese Women’s Website“Mynavi Woman”A survey was conducted among 401 female and 321 male netizens, asking them which country’s capital name they are most likely to get wrong. After compiling the overall rankings, it was found that the top five most commonly mistaken countries are Australia, the U.S., Turkey, Switzerland, and Brazil—with the top three being the most frequently confused.

▲What is Australia’s capital? Sydney (X) Melbourne (X) Canberra (O). The urban design of Canberra features geometric patterns such as circles, hexagons, and triangles, making it quite unique. (Photo / fromthe Canberra. Create your future fan page))

Canberra is Australia’s largest inland city. Because it integrates many important areas with natural vegetation, it is known as the “Bush Capital.” Locals also affectionately call it “Kangjing.” Although it is Australia’s political center, Sydney and Melbourne are not only the two most populous cities and popular tourist destinations in Australia, but Sydney is also the country’s economic and financial hub, while Melbourne has the reputation of being the “cultural capital of Australia.” Both major cities have also hosted Olympic Games, so they are even more famous than the capital.

Many Japanese netizens, after learning the answer, said: “I always thought Sydney was the capital!” “I’ve heard of Canberra, but whenever I’m asked, my first instinct is still to say Sydney.” “I’ve never even heard of it, nor have I ever considered it as a travel destination…”

▲ What is the U.S. capital? New York (X) Washington (O). (Photo / from Wikipedia)

Although Washington is the highest political center of the U.S., where the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Pentagon are all located, its fame still can’t compare with the “Big Apple” New York. One male netizen said: “Because the New York Yankees are so famous, and New York is also the financial center of the U.S., I always thought New York was the capital.”

▲ What is Turkey’s capital? Istanbul (X) Ankara (O). (Photo / courtesy of Darik Images / Reuters)

Although Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is known as the “Queen of Cities,” it is also the cultural, economic, and financial center of Turkey. It is the only metropolis in the world that spans both Europe and Asia, and has stood as the capital throughout the long course of history. However, after the Turkish War of Independence, Turkey moved its capital to the second-largest city, “Ankara.” Ankara is not only the current political center but also home to famous tourist sites, including historical relics left by the ancient Hittites, Greeks, and Romans.

Many netizens, after learning the answer, also said: “When you talk about Turkey, you only think of Istanbul.” “I’m hearing the name Ankara for the first time!”

Additionally, Brazil’s capital is not the largest city in the Southern Hemisphere, “São Paulo,” nor is it “Rio de Janeiro,” home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—the Christ the Redeemer statue. Instead, it is “Brasília,” the only city built in the 20th century that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Switzerland’s capital is not Zurich or Geneva either, but “Bern,” where Einstein proposed the theory of special relativity. The city’s Old Town has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

★ The image is a copyrighted photo provided exclusively to ETtoday Dongsen News Cloud by Darik Images. No website, newspaper, or TV station may reproduce any part or all of it without permission from Darik Images.