What is the capital of Australia?

Why this works

At first glance, this riddle might seem deceptively simple, leading many to instinctively blurt out "Sydney," the most famous city in Australia. However, the trick lies in the fact that the question is not asking for the largest or most populous city, but specifically for the capital, which is Canberra. This city was purposefully chosen as the capital in 1908 as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, both of which vied for the title. Canberra’s name is derived from the word "Kamberra," which means "meeting place" in the local Ngunnawal language, symbolizing its role as a hub for the nation. The cleverness of this riddle lies in its ability to challenge common assumptions and prompt a delightful moment of realization for those who remember that Canberra, often overshadowed by its larger counterparts, is indeed the political heart of Australia. Interestingly, this riddle highlights a phenomenon seen in many countries where the capital is not the largest city, like Brasília in Brazil or Washington, D.C. in the United States. These instances remind us that capitals often hold symbolic significance, reflecting a nation's identity and history in ways that go beyond mere size or popularity.