There are 18 capitals that start with the letter Z. From Zaandam to Zwolle. 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 Z

Capitals country population founding year
Zaandam Netherlands 75,293 1270
Zabid Yemen 24,732 819
Zacapa Guatemala 34,590 1940
Zacatecas Mexico 138,176 1546
Zanzibar City Tanzania 223,033 1832
Zaragoza Spain 674,317 24 BC
Zaranj Afghanistan 50,000 1940s
Zenica Bosnia and Herzegovina 115,134 1436
Zhezkazgan Kazakhstan 97,153 1938
Zhongshan China 3,124,770 1925
Ziguinchor Senegal 230,000 1888
Zinder Niger 170,574 1812
Zomba Malawi 88,314 1948
Zona Franca Panama 7,000 1948
Zoucheng China 1,003,700 1981
Zrenjanin Serbia 76,511 1703
Zurich Switzerland 415,367 15 BC
Zwolle Netherlands 127,497 800

Descriptions

Zaandam
A historic and picturesque town in the Netherlands, known for its well-preserved wooden houses, windmills, and vibrant cultural heritage. It is a popular tourist destination, offering a glimpse into traditional Dutch life.
Zabid
An ancient city in Yemen, formerly the capital of the Rasulid dynasty. It is renowned for its well-preserved historic architecture, including the Zabid Mosque, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.
Zacapa
The capital city of the Zacapa department in eastern Guatemala. It is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and production of the popular Zacapa Rum, a premium spirit distilled from sugar cane.
Zacatecas
A historic city in central Mexico, renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture and UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center. It is a hub of art, culture, and education, with numerous museums, galleries, and universities.
Zanzibar City
The capital and largest city of Zanzibar, an autonomous region of Tanzania. It is known for its Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring a unique blend of Swahili and Arab architecture, and its role in the spice trade.
Zaragoza
A vibrant city in northeastern Spain, known for its Baroque architecture, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, and its rich cultural heritage. It is home to the University of Zaragoza, one of the oldest universities in Spain.
Zaranj
The capital of Nimruz province in southwestern Afghanistan, located near the border with Iran. It is a strategic border town and an important hub for trade and transportation in the region.
Zenica
An industrial city in central Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for its steel production and as a center of culture and education. It is home to the University of Zenica and several cultural institutions.
Zhezkazgan
A city in central Kazakhstan, formerly a closed city due to its importance in the Soviet uranium and copper mining industries. It has a rich industrial heritage and is known for its museums showcasing the region’s mining history.
Zhongshan
A prefecture-level city in Guangdong province, China, named after Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China. It is a major manufacturing hub, known for its electronics, machinery, and shipbuilding industries.
Ziguinchor
The capital of the Casamance region in southern Senegal, near the border with Guinea-Bissau. It is a vibrant, multi-ethnic city, known for its lush, tropical landscapes, cultural diversity, and as a hub for fishing and agriculture.
Zinder
The second-largest city in Niger and the capital of the Zinder Region. It is a historically important city, serving as a major trading post along trans-Saharan caravan routes, and is known for its traditional architecture and crafts.
Zomba
The former capital of Malawi, located in the southern region of the country. It is known for its scenic beauty, with the Zomba Plateau and its forests, streams, and hiking trails, as well as its colonial-era architecture and educational institutions.
Zona Franca
A free trade zone located in the city of Col�n, Panama, near the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. It is one of the largest free trade zones in the Western Hemisphere, serving as a hub for international trade, logistics, and commerce.
Zoucheng
A county-level city in Shandong province, China, known for its historical significance as the birthplace of the Chinese philosopher Mencius, one of the most influential thinkers in the Confucian tradition.
Zrenjanin
A city in the autonomous province of Vojvodina, Serbia, known for its well-preserved historical landmarks, including the Zrenjanin Fortress, and its role as an important industrial and agricultural center in the region.
Zurich
The largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is a global financial center, known for its high quality of life, diverse cultural attractions, and well-preserved old town, featuring a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture.
Zwolle
A historic city in the eastern Netherlands, known for its well-preserved medieval city center, Hanseatic architecture, and as the home of the Agnietenberg, a former monastery that now houses a university.

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