City Facts |
![](//ecdn2.wn.com/vp/i/a8/8c2d330299d4f4.jpg) Canberra is the capital city of Australia and is Australia's largest inland city. Established as part of Australia's federation in 1901, Canberra houses the national parliament, federal government departments, the High Court of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, and several other important institutions. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory, 300 kilometres southwest of Sydney, and 650 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. The site of Canberra was selected for the location of the nation's capital in 1908 as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, the two largest cities. It is unusual among Australian cities as an entirely purpose-built, planned city. Following an international contest for the city's design, a design by Chicago architect Walter Burley Griffin was selected and construction commenced in 1913. The city's design was heavily influenced by the garden city movement and incorporates significant areas of natural vegetation that have earned Canberra the title "bush capital". Although the growth and development of Canberra were hindered by the World Wars and the Great Depression, it emerged as a thriving city after World War II. Canberra is the site of Parliament House, the High Court of Australia and numerous government departments and agencies. It is also the location of several social and cultural institutions of national significance. The federal government contributes the largest percentage of Gross State Product and is the largest employer in Canberra. Canberra is very different from most Australian capital cities. Firstly, it is relatively young that is it was established in 1927 and secondly, it's planned development has excluded the presence of buildings on any surrounding hilltops, or that are over fifteen stories high. Canberra is also a popular destination for domestic and international tourists. Country | Australia | Region | Australasia | Capital of the state | Canberra | Area | 805.6 km� | Population Density | 328,900 (2006) 401.0/km� | Time zone Summer (DST) | AEST (UTC+10) AEST (UTC+11) | |
City Facts Headlines |
» » Canberra: Woman, 30, charged after she allegedly tried to run her ex-boyfriend over twice with her...The Daily Mail
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» » 'Associated with death': Highly potent counterfeit opioid pill detected in CanberraAustralian Broadcasting Corporation
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» » Canberra Raiders enforcer makes surprise decision on playing futureSportingnews
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» » Canberra Liberals put 'new city stadium' back on the agendaCanberra Times
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» » Elizabeth Kikkert dumped as Canberra Liberals candidateCanberra Times
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» » Woman arrested after allegedly trying to run over former partner twice on Canberra streetAustralian Broadcasting Corporation
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» » Canberra Liberals disendorse MLA Elizabeth Kikkert, alleging concerns about donations and 'workplace behaviour'Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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» » Australia politics live: day of protest as NSW nurses threaten strike and farmers descend on CanberraThe Guardian
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» » Canberra Liberals promise new stadium 'to host world-class events' in Acton if electedAustralian Broadcasting Corporation
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» » Farmer convoy to close major roads in Canberra's morning peak hourCanberra Times
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