Australian Capital Territory

The Australian Capital Territory is a small, landlocked territory enclaved within New South Wales, created specifically to host Canberra, the national capital of Australia. It is the political heart of the country, home to Parliament House and major national institutions. Despite its small size, it has one of the highest standards of living in the nation.

The territory consists of Canberra and the surrounding bushland, hills and nature reserves, set on an inland plain bordered by mountains. The Murrumbidgee River flows through it. The climate is dry continental, with warm summers and cold, frosty winters.

Canberra is a planned city of broad avenues, parks and national monuments, with a highly educated population and a strong focus on government, research and the arts. It hosts the National Gallery, the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House.

Chosen as a compromise capital between rival cities Sydney and Melbourne, the territory was carved from New South Wales in 1911, and Canberra was purpose-built to the design of American architect Walter Burley Griffin. It became the seat of national government in 1927.