Countries –Their Capital & Currency is an important topic for students, travelers, and anyone interested in global awareness. Every country has a capital city where its main government functions are located, and a currency that serves as the official medium of exchange for its people.
Understanding Countries –Their Capital & Currency helps us gain better knowledge of world geography, economics, and international relations.
What is a Capital City?
A capital is like the “boss city” of a country. It’s where the government offices are, and important decisions are made. For example, in India, New Delhi is the capital where the Prime Minister and Parliament work. Some countries have more than one capital for different reasons, like one for laws and one for everyday government stuff. Capitals are often big cities with famous landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
What is a Currency?
Currency is the money a country uses. It can be coins or paper notes with pictures of famous people or animals. Different countries have different currencies because it helps them control their economy (that’s like how much things cost and how people buy and sell). For instance, the United States uses dollars, while Japan uses yen. Some countries share the same currency, like many in Europe use the euro. Fun fact: Currencies have symbols, like $ for dollars or € for euros!
Now, let’s explore the world continent by continent. There are seven continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Antarctica (but no countries there, just ice and penguins!), and Oceania (which includes Australia and islands). We’ll list every country we can, with their capitals and currencies. If there’s something special, like two capitals, we’ll note it.
List of Countries – Their Capital & Currency by Continent
Africa: The Continent of Diverse Lands
Africa is the second-largest continent, home to deserts, jungles, and amazing wildlife like lions and elephants. It has 54 countries. Here’s the list:
Country | Capital | Currency |
---|---|---|
Algeria | Algiers | Dinar |
Angola | Luanda | New Kwanza |
Benin | Porto-Novo | CFA Franc |
Botswana | Gaborone | Pula |
Burkina Faso | Ouagadougou | CFA Franc |
Burundi | Gitega | Burundi franc |
Cameroon | Yaounde | CFA Franc |
Cape Verde | Praia | Cape Verdean escudo |
Central African Republic | Bangui | CFA Franc |
Chad | N’Djamena | CFA Franc |
Comoros | Moroni | Franc |
Republic of the Congo | Brazzaville | CFA Franc |
Cote d’Ivoire | Yamoussoukro (official); Abidjan (de facto) | CFA Franc |
Djibouti | Djibouti | Djiboutian franc |
Egypt | Cairo | Egyptian pound |
Equatorial Guinea | Malabo | CFA Franc |
Eritrea | Asmara | Nakfa |
Ethiopia | Addis Ababa | Birr |
Gabon | Libreville | CFA Franc |
The Gambia | Banjul | Dalasi |
Ghana | Accra | Cedi |
Guinea | Conakry | Guinean franc |
Guinea-Bissau | Bissau | CFA Franc |
Kenya | Nairobi | Kenya shilling |
Lesotho | Maseru | Maluti |
Liberia | Monrovia | Liberian dollar |
Libya | Tripoli | Libyan dinar |
Madagascar | Antananarivo | Malagasy Ariary |
Malawi | Lilongwe | Kwacha |
Mali | Bamako | CFA Franc |
Mauritania | Nouakchott | Ouguiya |
Mauritius | Port Louis | Mauritian rupee |
Morocco | Rabat | Dirham |
Mozambique | Maputo | Metical |
Namibia | Windhoek | Namibian dollar |
Niger | Niamey | CFA Franc |
Nigeria | Abuja | Naira |
Rwanda | Kigali | Rwandan franc |
Sao Tome and Principe | Sao Tome | Dobra |
Senegal | Dakar | CFA Franc |
Seychelles | Victoria | Seychelles rupee |
Sierra Leone | Freetown | Leone |
Somalia | Mogadishu | Somali shilling |
South Africa | Pretoria (administrative); Cape Town (legislative); Bloemfontein (judiciary) | Rand |
South Sudan | Juba | Sudanese Pound |
Sudan | Khartoum | Sudanese Pound |
Swaziland | Mbabane | Lilangeni |
Tanzania | Dar es Salaam; Dodoma (legislative) | Tanzanian shilling |
Togo | Lome | CFA Franc |
Tunisia | Tunis | Tunisian dinar |
Uganda | Kampala | Ugandan new shilling |
Zambia | Lusaka | Kwacha |
Zimbabwe | Harare | United States dollar |
Special notes: South Africa has three capitals for different government parts—that’s unique! Many countries use the CFA Franc, which is shared money in parts of Africa.
Asia: The Largest Continent with Ancient Cultures
Asia is the biggest continent, with over half the world’s people! It has mountains like the Himalayas and bustling cities. There are 48 countries here.
List of Countries – Their Capital & Currency by Continent
Country | Capital | Currency |
---|---|---|
Afghanistan | Kabul | Afghani |
Armenia | Yerevan | Dram |
Azerbaijan | Baku | Manat |
Bahrain | Manama | Bahrain dinar |
Bangladesh | Dhaka | Taka |
Bhutan | Thimphu | Ngultrum |
Brunei | Bandar Seri Begawan | Brunei dollar |
Cambodia | Phnom Penh | Riel |
China | Beijing | Chinese Yuan |
East Timor (Timor-Leste) | Dili | U.S. dollar |
Georgia | Tbilisi | Lari |
India | New Delhi | Indian Rupee |
Indonesia | Jakarta | Rupiah |
Iran | Tehran | Rial |
Iraq | Baghdad | Iraqi Dinar |
Israel | Jerusalem* | Shekel |
Japan | Tokyo | Yen |
Jordan | Amman | Jordanian dinar |
Kazakhstan | Nur Sultan | Tenge |
North Korea | Pyongyang | Won |
South Korea | Seoul | Won |
Kuwait | Kuwait City | Kuwaiti Dinar |
Kyrgyzstan | Bishkek | Som |
Laos | Vientiane | New Kip |
Lebanon | Beirut | Lebanese pound |
Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | Ringgit |
Maldives | Male | Rufiyaa |
Mongolia | Ulaanbaatar | Togrog |
Myanmar (Burma) | Nay Pyi Taw | Kyat |
Nepal | Kathmandu | Nepalese rupee |
Oman | Muscat | Omani rial |
Pakistan | Islamabad | Pakistani rupee |
Palestine | Ramallah, East Jerusalem | Palestine Pound |
Philippines | Manila | Peso |
Qatar | Doha | Qatari riyal |
Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | Riyal |
Singapore | Singapore | Singapore dollar |
Sri Lanka | Colombo; Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative) | Sri Lankan rupee |
Syria | Damascus | Syrian pound |
Taiwan | Taipei | Taiwan dollar |
Tajikistan | Dushanbe | somoni |
Thailand | Bangkok | Baht |
Turkey | Ankara | Turkish lira (YTL) |
Turkmenistan | Ashgabat | Manat |
United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi | U.A.E. Dirham |
Uzbekistan | Tashkent | Uzbekistani sum |
Vietnam | Hanoi | Dong |
Yemen | Sanaa | Rial |
Special notes: Israel’s capital Jerusalem is sometimes disputed. Sri Lanka has two capitals, one for everyday and one for laws. North and South Korea both use “Won,” but they’re different!
Europe: The Continent of History and Castles
Europe is known for fairy tales, old castles, and yummy food like pizza from Italy. It has 44 countries, many using the euro.
Country | Capital | Currency |
---|---|---|
Albania | Tirane | Lek |
Andorra | Andorra la Vella | Euro |
Austria | Vienna | Euro (formerly schilling) |
Belarus | Minsk | Belorussian ruble |
Belgium | Brussels | Euro (formerly Belgian franc) |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Sarajevo | Convertible Mark |
Bulgaria | Sofia | Lev |
Croatia | Zagreb | Croatian |
Cyprus | Nicosia | Euro |
Czech Republic | Prague | Koruna |
Denmark | Copenhagen | Danish Krone |
Estonia | Tallinn | Estonia Kroon; Euro |
Finland | Helsinki | Euro (formerly markka) |
France | Paris | Euro (formerly French franc) |
Germany | Berlin | Euro (formerly Deutsche mark) |
Greece | Athens | Euro (formerly drachma) |
Hungary | Budapest | Forint |
Iceland | Reykjavik | Icelandic króna |
Ireland | Dublin | Euro (formerly Irish pound [punt]) |
Italy | Rome | Euro (formerly lira) |
Latvia | Riga | Lats |
Liechtenstein | Vaduz | Swiss franc |
Lithuania | Vilnius | Litas |
Luxembourg | Luxembourg | Euro (formerly Luxembourg franc) |
Macedonia | Skopje | Denar |
Malta | Valletta | Euro |
Moldova | Chisinau | Leu |
Monaco | Monte Carlo | Euro |
Montenegro | Podgorica | Euro |
Netherlands | Amsterdam; The Hague (seat of government) | Euro (formerly guilder) |
Norway | Oslo | Norwegian krone |
Poland | Warsaw | Zloty |
Portugal | Lisbon | Euro (formerly escudo) |
Romania | Bucharest | Romanian Rupee |
San Marino | San Marino | Euro |
Serbia | Belgrade | Serbian Dinar |
Slovakia | Bratislava | Euro |
Slovenia | Ljubljana | Slovenian tolar; euro (as of 1/1/07) |
Spain | Madrid | Euro (formerly peseta) |
Sweden | Stockholm | Krona |
Switzerland | Berne | Swiss franc |
Ukraine | Kiev | Hryvnia |
United Kingdom | London | Pound sterling |
Vatican City (Holy See) | Vatican City | Euro |
Special notes: Many countries switched to the euro from old moneys like francs or marks. The Netherlands has Amsterdam as capital but The Hague for government meetings.
North America: From Snowy North to Tropical Islands
North America includes Canada, the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean islands. It’s famous for Hollywood movies and Niagara Falls. Here are 22 countries (including Central America and Caribbean).
Country | Capital | Currency |
---|---|---|
Antigua and Barbuda | Saint John’s | East Caribbean dollar |
The Bahamas | Nassau | Bahamian dollar |
Barbados | Bridgetown | Barbados dollar |
Belize | Belmopan | Belize dollar |
Canada | Ottawa | Canadian dollar |
Costa Rica | San Jose | Colón |
Cuba | Havana | Cuban Peso |
Dominica | Roseau | East Caribbean dollar |
Dominican Republic | Santo Domingo | Dominican Peso |
El Salvador | San Salvador | Colón; U.S. dollar |
Grenada | Saint George’s | East Caribbean dollar |
Guatemala | Guatemala City | Quetzal |
Haiti | Port-au-Prince | Gourde |
Honduras | Tegucigalpa | Lempira |
Jamaica | Kingston | Jamaican dollar |
Mexico | Mexico City | Mexican peso |
Nicaragua | Managua | Gold cordoba |
Panama | Panama City | Balboa; U.S. dollar |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | Basseterre | East Caribbean dollar |
Saint Lucia | Castries | East Caribbean dollar |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Kingstown | East Caribbean dollar |
United States of America | Washington D.C. | Dollar |
Special notes: Some countries like El Salvador and Panama use the U.S. dollar along with their own money.
South America: Home of the Amazon Rainforest
South America has the longest river (Amazon) and tango dancing! It has 13 countries.
Country | Capital | Currency |
---|---|---|
Argentina | Buenos Aires | Peso |
Bolivia | La Paz (administrative); Sucre (judicial) | Boliviano |
Brazil | Brasilia | Real |
Chile | Santiago | Chilean Peso |
Colombia | Bogota | Colombian Peso |
Ecuador | Quito | U.S. dollar |
Guyana | Georgetown | Guyanese dollar |
Paraguay | Asuncion | Guaraní |
Peru | Lima | Nuevo sol (1991) |
Suriname | Paramaribo | Surinamese dollar |
Trinidad and Tobago | Port-of-Spain | Trinidad and Tobago dollar |
Uruguay | Montevideo | Uruguay peso |
Venezuela | Caracas | Bolivar |
Special notes: Bolivia has two capitals—one for admins and one for courts. Ecuador uses U.S. dollars!
Oceania: Islands and Adventures Down Under
Oceania includes Australia and Pacific islands, with kangaroos and coral reefs. There are 14 countries.
Country | Capital | Currency |
---|---|---|
Australia | Canberra | Australian dollar |
Fiji | Suva | Fiji dollar |
Kiribati | Tarawa Atoll | Kiribati dollar |
Marshall Islands | Majuro | U.S. Dollar |
Federated States of Micronesia | Palikir | U.S. Dollar |
Nauru | no official capital; government offices in Yaren District | Australian dollar |
New Zealand | Wellington | New Zealand dollar |
Palau | Melekeok | U.S. dollar |
Papua New Guinea | Port Moresby | Kina |
Samoa | Apia | Tala |
Solomon Islands | Honiara | Solomon Islands dollar |
Tonga | Nuku’alofa | Pa’anga |
Tuvalu | Vaiaku village, Funafuti province | Tuvaluan Dollar |
Vanuatu | Port-Vila | Vatu |
Special notes: Nauru doesn’t have an official capital; government is in Yaren. Many use U.S. or Australian dollars.
Exploring the countries, their capitals, and currencies is like opening a window to the world’s diversity and interconnectedness. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the historic charm of Rome, each capital city tells a unique story of its nation’s culture, history, and governance. Similarly, currencies like the euro, rupee, or kwacha reflect the economic heartbeat of their countries, showing how people trade and thrive. Whether you’re a curious student dreaming of far-off places or an adult eager to understand global connections, knowing these facts sparks curiosity and broadens your perspective. Keep exploring, stay curious, and let the world’s map inspire your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Countries, Their Capitals, and Currencies
1. What is a capital city?
Answer: A capital city is the main city of a country where the government works. It’s like the headquarters where leaders make important decisions. For example, New Delhi is the capital of India, where the Prime Minister and Parliament are based.
2. What is a currency?
Answer: Currency is the money a country uses to buy and sell things. It can be coins or paper notes, like dollars in the United States or rupees in India. Each currency has a unique name and symbol, like $ or ₹.
3. Why do some countries have more than one capital?
Answer: Some countries split government tasks across different cities. For example, South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria for administration, Cape Town for laws, and Bloemfontein for courts. This helps balance power or reflects historical reasons.
4. Do any countries share the same currency?
Answer: Yes! Many countries in Europe, like France and Germany, use the euro (€). In Africa, countries like Senegal and Mali use the CFA Franc. Some countries, like Ecuador and Palau, even use the U.S. dollar!
5. Which country has the most unusual capital name?
Answer: That’s subjective, but Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga, stands out for its unique sound! It’s a small city in Oceania, and its name reflects the local culture and language.
6. What’s the largest country by population, and what’s its capital and currency?
Answer: China is the largest country by population. Its capital is Beijing, and its currency is the Chinese Yuan (¥). Over 1.4 billion people live there, making it a global giant!
7. Why do some countries use another country’s currency?
Answer: Some smaller countries, like Panama or East Timor, use the U.S. dollar because it’s stable and widely accepted. This helps their economy, especially for trade, but they might also have their own currency for local use.
8. Which continent has the most countries?
Answer: Africa has the most countries—54 in total! From Algeria’s capital Algiers (currency: Dinar) to Zimbabwe’s Harare (currency: U.S. dollar), it’s a diverse continent.
9. Are there countries without an official capital?
Answer: Yes, Nauru, a tiny island in Oceania, doesn’t have an official capital. Its government offices are in the Yaren District, which acts like a capital. Its currency is the Australian dollar.
10. How can I remember all these capitals and currencies?
Answer: Try fun tricks! Make a song, use flashcards, or group countries by continent. For example, remember “Japan: Tokyo, Yen” or “Brazil: Brasilia, Real.” Practice with quizzes on sites like Byju’s to make learning easier!
List of GK Topics:
Static GK: Complete Guide to Essential Topics for Competitive Exams 2025
Important Role of Members of Parliament in Building a Strong Nation