The World's Purpose-Built Capitals

Designed to be located (almost) equally between its two biggest cities - Melbourne and Sydney.

After the destruction of much of Belize City, this city was constructed further inland at a less weather-prone site.

Formed when the British 'Bechuanaland Protectorate' gained independence in 1966, with existing towns Mafeking, Lobatse and Gaberones seen as inadequate capitals.

First conceived more than a hundred years before being built, the city became the capital succeeding Rio de Janeiro in 1960.

Despite being first colonised only in 1886, this Oceanian village (and its island nation) changed hands from Spain to Germany, then Japan and finally the USA before gaining its independence.

Despite many of the country's political infrastructure remaining in former capital Abidjan, this has legally been the capital since 1983.

Formerly named Akmola, the city was planned and then completely transformed after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Founded by the military government to be located more centrally, moving from Yangon in 2005.

Moved to be independent from the three major ethnic groups - the Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa-Fulani people. Former capital Lagos.

Finally deciding on an area northeast of Rawalpindi, the city's location was found to be optimal for climate, logistics, and proximity to the country's military base of operations.

Replacing Koror City in 2006, with construction partially funded by Taiwan.

After the fall of the Inca Empire, the site was chosen as a capital due to its cooler climate, fertile land and proximity to coastline which could become a port. For many years the country remained a Spanish Viceroyalty before becoming independent.

Despite many countries leaving their embassies and offices in its former capital Dar Es Salaam, this has been the capital since 1996.

On land donated by Maryland and Virginia on the Potomac River, in a location chosen by George Washington.