List of national capital cities

An alphabetical catalogue of national capitals worldwide, covering sovereign states, territories, non-sovereign and disputed entities, with explanations of scope, types of capitals, reading conventions and notable examples.

This article explains the scope, conventions and notable features of a comprehensive alphabetical list of national capital cities. The list aims to include capitals of internationally recognized sovereign states as well as capitals of dependent territories, associated states and entities with disputed sovereignty. Where applicable, sovereign states are indicated in bold to distinguish them from non-sovereign or contested entities.

Scope and selection criteria

The compilation includes: capitals of UN member states and widely recognized countries; capitals of territories and dependencies; capitals of non-sovereign and associated states; and capitals claimed by entities whose independence is disputed. It does not attempt to adjudicate political claims. For more on these categories see the list introduction or referenced resources: main list index, background on territories: territories and dependencies, and notes on disputed sovereignty: disputed entities.

How to read the list

Entries are arranged alphabetically by city name to aid quick lookup.
Sovereign states are shown in bold, while capitals of non-sovereign territories are in plain text.
Where a country has more than one capital function, the entry clarifies roles (legislative, executive, judicial) and de facto vs de jure status.
Notes accompany entries that are exceptional—planned capitals, relocated seats of government, or capitals subject to international dispute.

Types and special cases of capitals

Not all capitals serve the same purpose. Common distinctions include administrative capitals (seat of government), legislative capitals (location of the national parliament), judicial capitals (highest courts), de jure capitals (constitutionally designated) and de facto capitals (where institutions actually sit). Some countries use multiple cities for different branches of government; others have purpose-built or planned capitals constructed to replace earlier seats.

Historical changes are frequent: capitals have been moved for strategic, political, demographic or symbolic reasons. Examples of special arrangements that readers will encounter in the list include countries with multiple capitals, national capitals that are federal districts or separate administrative entities, and capitals whose international recognition is contested.

Understanding these conventions helps users interpret entries correctly and compare political geography across time and systems. For further guidance on interpreting specific items, consult the introduction links above: index, territories and disputed cases.