UPSC Prelims 2005 Q4: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Which one of the following cities is not a former capital of the given country (Country given in
the brackets)?
- (a) Karachi (Pakistan)
- (b) Auckland (New Zealand)
- (c) Kyoto (Japan)
- (d) Brisbane (Australia)
Answer: (d) Brisbane (Australia)
Explanation
Former capitals of countries
| City | Status |
|---|---|
| Karachi | Former capital of Pakistan (until 1959) |
| Auckland | Former capital of New Zealand (1841-1865) |
| Kyoto | Former capital of Japan (until 1868) |
| Brisbane | Capital of Queensland, never the capital of Australia |
Brisbane has never been the national capital of Australia; Melbourne served as capital before Canberra.
Answer: (d) Brisbane (Australia).
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Karachi was Pakistan's first capital.
- (b) Incorrect. Auckland was New Zealand's capital before Wellington.
- (c) Incorrect. Kyoto was Japan's imperial capital before Tokyo.
- (d) CORRECT. Brisbane was never Australia's capital; Melbourne preceded Canberra.
Key point
Australia: Melbourne (1901-27) then Canberra. Brisbane is only a State capital.
Remember
Brisbane was never the capital of Australia.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Brisbane was capital because it is a large city.
- Forgetting that Karachi was Pakistan's capital before Islamabad.
- Confusing Auckland with Wellington as New Zealand's present capital.
Exam tip
Former capitals: Karachi, Auckland, Kyoto, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Istanbul.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Canberra
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Brisbane