There are 108 capitals that start with the letter P. From Paicines to Pyongyang. Capitals are the cities where a country’s government is based and where key administrative functions take place. They often host the central institutions of political power, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Capitals can vary significantly in size, culture, and historical significance within their respective countries. Some are major urban centers with millions of inhabitants, while others are smaller cities chosen for their historical prominence or strategic location. The capital plays a crucial role in a nation’s identity and is often a focal point of national pride.

An interesting fun fact about capitals is that some countries have multiple capitals for different functions. For example, in South Africa, both Pretoria and Bloemfontein serve as administrative and judicial capitals, respectively, while Cape Town is the legislative capital. This unique arrangement reflects historical and political decisions that shape governance in the country.

Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:

Country: This column lists the name of the nation or territory to which the capital belongs.

Population: This represents the estimated number of residents living in the capital city, providing insight into its size and urban density.

Founding Year: This indicates the year when the capital city was established or designated as the primary city for governmental functions, which can help understand its historical context.

Description: This provides a brief overview of the capital city, highlighting notable features, historical significance, cultural aspects, or any unique characteristics that distinguish it from other capitals.

Capitals That Start With P

Capitals country population founding year
Paicines United States 3,506 1868
Pailhat France 75 1793
Paine United States 1,141 1818
Painesville United States 19,563 1831
Pakokku Myanmar 149,533 1859
Palangkaraya Indonesia 265,001 1950
Palau Palau 17,928 1896
Palembang Indonesia 1,455,284 650 CE
Paleokastritsa Greece 1,200 1600 BCE
Palermo Italy 655,875 734
Palghar India 315,569 1845
Palh-e Sefid Iran 10,850 1960
Pali India 214,403 1948
Palikir Federated States of Micronesia 6,700 1989
Palma Spain 425,916 13th century
Palmerston Cook Islands 20 1892
Palo Philippines 42,003 1954
Palo Alto United States 66,642 1894
Palo Verde Mexico 10,000 1940
Palomar Mountain United States 1,700 1936
Pampanga Philippines 2,014,319 1571
Pamplona Spain 195,650 1129
Panacea Greece 700 1924
Panaji India 114,405 1510
Panchkula India 306,702 1995
Pandi Philippines 42,206 1878
Pando Bolivia 110,436 1914
Pangnirtung Canada 1,462 1921
Panna India 44,551 1703
Paola Malta 23,121 1436
Papeete French Polynesia 133,627 1818
Paphos Cyprus 35,961 320 BCE
Paramaribo Suriname 241,481 1667
Paraty Brazil 44,483 1667
Paris France 2,161,000 3rd century BC
Parkersburg United States 29,744 1785
Parma Italy 195,551 996
Paro Bhutan 27,658 1644
Parrsboro Canada 1,191 1784
Partille Sweden 35,301 1878
Pasco United States 71,003 1891
Pasto Colombia 428,443 1537
Patna India 2,368,292 490 BCE
Pau France 77,293 1464
Pazardzhik Bulgaria 71,979 1485
Pecs Hungary 144,664 871 CE
Peebles United Kingdom 8,376 12th century
Peekskill United States 23,583 1654
Pegu Myanmar 190,894 6th century
Pekanbaru Indonesia 1,038,118 1784
Peking China 21,540,000 1271 CE
Pella United States 10,352 1847
Pello Finland 3,767 1948
Pemba Tanzania 230,164 1870s
Pembroke Canada 15,193 1858
Pemex Mexico 1,301,000 1938
Penang Malaysia 1,767,000 1786
Peniche Portugal 27,628 1338
Penrhyn Cook Islands 300 1901
Penticton Canada 33,761 1908
Peoria United States 111,682 1845
Perm Russia 1,048,005 1723
Perpignan France 121,603 934
Perth Australia 2,059,484 1829
Pesaro Italy 95,376 286 BC
Peshawar Pakistan 1,970,042 518 BCE
Petah Tikva Israel 254,851 1878
Petaling Jaya Malaysia 651,310 1952
Peterborough Canada 81,032 1825
Petropavl Kazakhstan 203,523 1752
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Russia 179,780 1740 CE
Petropolis Brazil 295,917 1843
Philippi United States 3,043 1774
Phnom Penh Cambodia 1,501,700 1434
Phoenix United States 1,660,272 1866
Phuket Thailand 346,209 1925
Pietermaritzburg South Africa 228,549 1838
Pilsen Czechia 167,462 1295
Pindamonhangaba Brazil 151,206 1705
Pintigrie Nauru 14,010 1968
Pitalito Colombia 126,994 1703
Pitesti Romania 155,383 1386
Pittsburgh United States 302,971 1758
Pittsfield United States 43,789 1761
Piura Peru 468,086 1532
Plovdiv Bulgaria 346,893 4th century BC
Plymouth United Kingdom 262,700 1620
Pocatello United States 54,854 1889
Podgorica Montenegro 185,937 1326
Pokhara Nepal 435,577 1845
Pontianak Indonesia 637,310 1771
Port Elizabeth South Africa 312,392 1820 CE
Port Louis Mauritius 149,679 1735
Port Moresby Papua New Guinea 364,125 1873 CE
Port Vila Vanuatu 51,337 1906
Portland United States 653,115 1845
Porto-Novo Benin 293,608 1732 CE
Posadas Argentina 328,461 1600 CE
Potosi Bolivia 188,241 1545 CE
Prague Czech Republic 1,309,000 870 CE
Praia Cape Verde 142,112 1462 CE
Pretoria South Africa 742,534 1855 CE
Prishtina Kosovo 145,149 1461 CE
Prizren Kosovo 177,781 11th century CE
Pune India 3,124,458 949 CE
Punta Arenas Chile 141,984 1848 CE
Punta del Este Uruguay 9,280 1907 CE
Pyongyang North Korea 3,255,388 1392 CE

Descriptions

Paicines
Paicines is a small unincorporated community in San Benito County, California, located approximately 20 miles southeast of Hollister. It is known for its agricultural production, particularly of grapes and other crops.
Pailhat
A commune in the Puy-de-D�me department in central France, located in the Auvergne region.
Paine
Paine is a town in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. It was named after Thomas Paine, an influential American political theorist and revolutionary. The town is primarily rural and agricultural in character.
Painesville
The county seat of Lake County, Ohio, situated on the Grand River, and known for its historic downtown district.
Pakokku
An important trade and commerce center in central Myanmar, located on the Ayeyarwady River and known for its traditional handicrafts.
Palangkaraya
The capital and largest city of the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan, known for its wildlife conservation efforts and ecotourism.
Palau
Palau, officially the Republic of Palau, is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is known for its beautiful beaches, diverse marine life, and rich cultural heritage.
Palembang
One of the oldest cities in Indonesia, situated on the Musi River and known for its historical landmarks and traditional cuisine.
Paleokastritsa
A coastal village on the island of Corfu, Greece, known for its picturesque beaches, monasteries, and olive groves.
Palermo
Palermo is the capital and largest city of the Italian island of Sicily. It is a historic and culturally significant city, with a vibrant arts and music scene, as well as numerous ancient landmarks and architectural wonders.
Palghar
Palghar is a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is known for its beaches, fishing industry, and as a hub for the production of cashew nuts and other agricultural products.
Palh-e Sefid
Palh-e Sefid is a city in the Khuzestan province of Iran. It is known for its agricultural production, particularly of rice and sugarcane, as well as its traditional handicrafts and cultural heritage.
Pali
Pali is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is known for its textile industry, particularly the production of woolen fabrics and carpets, as well as its historical monuments and religious sites.
Palikir
The capital and largest city of the Federated States of Micronesia, located on the island of Pohnpei. It serves as the seat of the national government and is home to the country’s legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Palma
The capital and largest city of the Balearic Islands, situated on the southern coast of the island of Majorca. It is a major tourist destination and a commercial hub.
Palmerston
A small atoll in the Cook Islands, Palmerston is the administrative center and capital of the Cook Islands’ Palmerston Atoll. It is known for its remote and isolated location, with a population of around 20 people.
Palo
Palo is a municipality in the province of Leyte, Philippines. It is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural attractions, including the Palo Cathedral and the Leyte Landing Memorial Park.
Palo Alto
Palo Alto is a city in the San Francisco Bay Area, located in the northwestern corner of Santa Clara County, California. It is home to Stanford University and is known as a hub for technology and innovation.
Palo Verde
A town in the Mexican state of Sonora, known for its agriculture, particularly the production of citrus fruits and cotton.
Palomar Mountain
Palomar Mountain is a mountain located in San Diego County, California. It is home to the Palomar Observatory, which houses the famous Hale Telescope, one of the largest optical telescopes in the world.
Pampanga
A province in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines, known for its rich culture, historical landmarks, and culinary traditions.
Pamplona
Pamplona is the capital city of the Navarre region of northern Spain. It is famous for the annual Running of the Bulls festival, which attracts visitors from around the world to participate in the thrilling and controversial event.
Panacea
A small town in central Greece, Panacea is the administrative center of the municipality of Amfikleia-Elateia. It is known for its mineral springs and thermal baths, which have been used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times.
Panaji
The capital city of the Indian state of Goa, known for its Portuguese colonial architecture, scenic waterfront, and vibrant cultural heritage.
Panchkula
A planned city in the Indian state of Haryana, known for its planned urban development, educational institutions, and proximity to the Himalayan foothills.
Pandi
A municipality in the province of Bulacan, Philippines, known for its historical landmarks, agricultural products, and traditional crafts.
Pando
Pando is a department in the northernmost part of Bolivia, bordering Brazil. It is known for its vast Amazon rainforest, diverse indigenous cultures, and rich natural resources, including rubber, Brazil nuts, and timber.
Pangnirtung
Pangnirtung is a hamlet in Nunavut, Canada, located on Baffin Island. It is known for its Inuit culture, traditional arts and crafts, and as a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Panna
A city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, known for its national park, diamond mines, and historical monuments.
Paola
A town in Malta, known for its historic center, churches, and as the birthplace of national hero Dun Mikiel Xerri.
Papeete
Papeete is the capital and largest city of French Polynesia, located on the island of Tahiti. It is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and French-Polynesian fusion cuisine.
Paphos
A coastal city in southwestern Cyprus, known for its ancient archaeological sites, including the Paphos Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Paramaribo
Paramaribo is the capital and largest city of Suriname, located on the banks of the Suriname River. It is known for its well-preserved historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its diverse cultural influences.
Paraty
A historic town in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, scenic coastline, and as a hub for ecotourism.
Paris
Paris is the capital and most populous city of France. It is renowned for its art, architecture, fashion, and culinary scene, as well as its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Parkersburg
Parkersburg is a city in West Virginia, located at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers. It is known for its historic downtown, cultural attractions, and as a hub for the oil and gas industry in the region.
Parma
Parma is a city in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. It is famous for its culinary specialties, including Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Parma ham, as well as its historic architecture and cultural heritage.
Paro
The capital of Paro District in western Bhutan, Paro is a historic town known for its well-preserved dzongs (fortified monasteries) and temples. It is also the site of the country’s international airport, making it a key entry point for visitors to Bhutan.
Parrsboro
Parrsboro is a town in Nova Scotia, Canada, located on the shores of the Bay of Fundy. It is known for its stunning coastal scenery, fossil hunting, and as a hub for outdoor recreation and eco-tourism.
Partille
Partille is a municipality and town in the Gothenburg region of western Sweden. It is known for its modern suburbs, thriving business community, and proximity to the city of Gothenburg, which provides residents with easy access to cultural and recreational amenities.
Pasco
Pasco is a city in southeastern Washington, located at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers. It is known as an important agricultural and transportation hub, as well as a growing community with a diverse economy and vibrant cultural scene.
Pasto
Pasto is the capital city of the Nari�o department in southern Colombia. It is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant cultural festivities, and as a gateway to the Andes mountains and the neighboring country of Ecuador.
Patna
The capital city of the Indian state of Bihar, known for its ancient history, religious sites, and as an important center of education and commerce.
Pau
Pau is a city in the southwestern France, located in the Pyr�n�es-Atlantiques department. It is known for its historic castle, scenic views of the Pyrenees mountains, and as a hub for outdoor recreation and winter sports.
Pazardzhik
A city in southern Bulgaria, known for its historic old town, as a regional economic and cultural center, and for its annual rose festival.
Pecs
A city in southern Hungary, known for its historic old town, as a center of arts and culture, and for its scenic natural surroundings.
Peebles
Peebles is a town in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. It is known for its well-preserved historic town center, scenic natural surroundings, and as a popular destination for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.
Peekskill
Peekskill is a city in Westchester County, New York, located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River. It is known for its thriving arts and music scene, scenic natural beauty, and as a hub for outdoor recreation and tourism.
Pegu
Pegu, also known as Bago, is a city in southern Myanmar. It is an ancient capital city with a rich history, famous for its Buddhist temples, monasteries, and as a center of Mon culture and heritage.
Pekanbaru
Pekanbaru is the capital and largest city of Riau province, Indonesia. It is known as an important economic and transportation hub, with a thriving oil and gas industry, as well as a growing center for education, culture, and tourism.
Peking
The former name of Beijing, the capital city of China, known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and as a global center of politics, culture, and commerce.
Pella
Pella is a city in Marion County, Iowa, known for its Dutch heritage, historic architecture, and annual tulip festival. It is also home to Central College, a private liberal arts institution.
Pello
Pello is a municipality in Finnish Lapland, located near the Swedish border. It is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and as a hub for winter sports and activities.
Pemba
Pemba is an island off the coast of Tanzania, known for its lush, verdant landscape, rich marine biodiversity, and as a hub for spice production, particularly cloves and nutmeg.
Pembroke
Pembroke is a city in eastern Ontario, Canada, located on the Ottawa River. It is known for its well-preserved historic downtown, outdoor recreation opportunities, and as a hub for the lumber and manufacturing industries.
Pemex
Pemex, or Petr�leos Mexicanos, is the state-owned petroleum company of Mexico. It is one of the largest oil companies in the world and plays a crucial role in the Mexican economy, providing a significant source of revenue and employment.
Penang
Penang is an island state in Malaysia, known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and as a hub for both historical and modern architecture. The capital city, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Peniche
A coastal town in central Portugal, known for its picturesque harbor, surfing beaches, and as a hub for fishing and maritime activities.
Penrhyn
The capital of the Cook Islands’ Penrhyn Atoll, Penrhyn is a small and remote settlement located on the northern tip of the atoll. It is known for its pristine natural environment and traditional Polynesian culture, and is a popular destination for eco-tourism and birdwatching.
Penticton
A city in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada, known for its vineyards, fruit orchards, and as a popular destination for outdoor recreation and wine tourism.
Peoria
Peoria is a city in central Illinois, located on the Illinois River. It is known as a hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and technology, as well as a center for arts and culture, with numerous museums, theaters, and cultural institutions.
Perm
Perm is a city in western Russia, situated on the Kama River. It is known as an important industrial, cultural, and educational center, with a rich history, diverse cultural attractions, and a thriving economy.
Perpignan
Perpignan is a city in southern France, near the border with Spain. It is known for its Catalan influence, historic architecture, and as a hub for outdoor activities and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine.
Perth
Perth is the capital and largest city of Western Australia. It is known for its sunny climate, scenic natural surroundings, vibrant cultural and arts scene, and as a hub for mining, resources, and tourism.
Pesaro
Pesaro is a city in the Marche region of Italy, located on the Adriatic coast. It is known for its historic old town, Renaissance-era architecture, and as the birthplace of composer Gioachino Rossini.
Peshawar
A historic city in northwestern Pakistan, known for its ancient heritage, as a hub of trade and commerce, and for its vibrant markets and cultural festivities.
Petah Tikva
A city in the center of Israel, known for its high-tech industry, as a hub of Israel’s diamond trade, and for its diverse residential and commercial development.
Petaling Jaya
Petaling Jaya is a city in Selangor, Malaysia, located near the capital Kuala Lumpur. It is known as a major commercial and residential center, as well as a hub for technology, education, and healthcare in the country.
Peterborough
Peterborough is a city in central Ontario, Canada, known for its historic architecture, arts and culture scene, and as a hub for outdoor recreation and tourism, particularly canoeing and kayaking on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Petropavl
Petropavl is a city in northern Kazakhstan, located near the border with Russia. It is known as an important industrial and transportation hub, as well as a center for agriculture and food processing in the region.
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
The administrative center of Kamchatka Krai, Russia, situated on the Kamchatka Peninsula and known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and as a hub for fishing and wildlife tourism.
Petropolis
Petr�polis is a city in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. It is known for its historic imperial summer palace, neo-Gothic cathedral, and as a popular weekend and vacation destination for residents of Rio de Janeiro.
Philippi
Philippi is a city in Barbour County, West Virginia, known for its historic downtown, the Philippi Covered Bridge, and as the site of the first land battle of the American Civil War.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. It is known for its blend of French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and bustling markets, as well as its role as a center of government, commerce, and culture in the country.
Phoenix
Phoenix is the capital and most populous city of Arizona. It is known for its sunny climate, sprawling metropolitan area, and as a hub for technology, aerospace, and financial services industries, as well as a popular destination for tourism and outdoor recreation.
Phuket
Phuket is an island province in southern Thailand, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and as a hub for luxury resorts, water sports, and eco-tourism. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand.
Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second-largest city of KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. It is known for its Victorian-era architecture, cultural diversity, and as a center of education and commerce in the region.
Pilsen
Pilsen, or Plze?, is a city in western Czechia, known for its historic city center, Renaissance architecture, and as the birthplace of the Pilsner style of beer, which has become a global phenomenon.
Pindamonhangaba
Pindamonhangaba is a city in the state of S�o Paulo, Brazil, known for its colonial architecture, cultural festivals, and as an important industrial and agricultural center in the region.
Pintigrie
The capital and largest settlement of Nauru, the smallest independent republic in the world. It is the administrative, economic, and transportation center of the island nation.
Pitalito
Pitalito is a municipality in the Huila department of Colombia, known for its coffee production, colonial architecture, and as a gateway to the scenic natural areas of the Andes mountains.
Pitesti
Pite?ti is a city in southern Romania, known for its automotive industry, as the headquarters of the Dacia car brand, as well as its cultural attractions, including the Arge? County Museum and the Princely Court.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a city in western Pennsylvania, known for its industrial history, cultural institutions, and as a hub for technology, healthcare, and financial services. It is also renowned for its scenic riverfront and parks, as well as its sports teams.
Pittsfield
Pittsfield is a city in western Massachusetts, known for its historic downtown, cultural institutions like the Berkshire Museum, and as a hub for outdoor recreation and tourism in the Berkshire Mountains.
Piura
Piura is a city in northwestern Peru, known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and as an important agricultural and commercial center, particularly for the production of cotton, rice, and mangoes.
Plovdiv
Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, known for its well-preserved old town, ancient Roman ruins, and as a hub for arts, culture, and education in the country.
Plymouth
Plymouth is a city in southwest England, known for its maritime history, the Mayflower steps (where the Pilgrims departed for the New World), and as a hub for naval operations and tourism.
Pocatello
Pocatello is a city in southeastern Idaho, known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, rock climbing, and skiing, as well as its role as a center for education and technology industries.
Podgorica
Podgorica is the capital and largest city of Montenegro, known for its blend of Ottoman and Venetian architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and as a hub for business and tourism in the region.
Pokhara
Pokhara is a city in central Nepal, known for its scenic location at the base of the An
Pontianak
The capital of West Kalimantan province, Indonesia, situated on the Kapuas River and known for its diverse ethnic communities, as a center of trade and commerce, and for its colonial-era architecture.
Port Elizabeth
A city in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, known for its beaches, as a hub of the automotive industry, and for its role in the country’s history and cultural heritage.
Port Louis
The capital and largest city of Mauritius, situated on the northwest coast of the island. It is a major port and the economic, cultural, and administrative center of the country.
Port Moresby
The capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea, situated on the southwestern coast of the island of New Guinea, known for its natural harbor, as a center of government and commerce, and for its cultural diversity.
Port Vila
The capital and largest city of Vanuatu, situated on the island of Efate. It is the country’s economic and administrative center, as well as a popular tourist destination.
Portland
The largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon, known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, as a hub of sustainability and environmental initiatives, and for its scenic natural setting.
Porto-Novo
The official capital and seat of government of Benin, known for its historic colonial architecture, as a center of Yoruba culture and traditions, and for its annual festivals and celebrations.
Posadas
The capital city of the Argentine province of Misiones, situated on the Paran� River and known for its historic landmarks, as a hub of the regional economy, and for its natural attractions.
Potosi
A city in southern Bolivia, known for its historic silver mining industry, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its colonial architecture, and for its vibrant indigenous culture.
Prague
The capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, known for its well-preserved historic center, as a global hub of arts and culture, and for its iconic landmarks like the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
Praia
The capital and largest city of Cape Verde, situated on the island of Santiago, known for its colonial architecture, as a center of commerce and culture, and for its scenic coastal setting.
Pretoria
The administrative capital of South Africa, known for its Jacaranda-lined streets, as a hub of government and diplomacy, and for its historic landmarks and cultural institutions.
Prishtina
The capital and largest city of Kosovo, known for its blend of Ottoman and modern architecture, as a center of education and arts, and for its vibrant caf� culture and nightlife.
Prizren
A historic city in southern Kosovo, known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture, as a hub of culture and tourism, and for its scenic location on the Bistrica River.
Pune
A city in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, known for its thriving IT and automotive industries, as a center of education and culture, and for its historic landmarks and natural attractions.
Punta Arenas
The southernmost city in continental Chile, known for its strategic location, as a hub of commerce and transportation, and for its unique Patagonian culture and natural landscapes.
Punta del Este
A popular seaside resort town in southeastern Uruguay, known for its upscale beaches, as a hub of tourism and entertainment, and for its distinctive modern architecture.
Pyongyang
The capital and largest city of North Korea, known for its grand monuments, as a center of government and propaganda, and for its unique socialist urban planning and architecture.

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