There are 92 capitals that start with the letter K. From Kabul to Kyoto. 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 K
| Capitals | country | population | founding year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kabul | Afghanistan | 4,222,000 | 700 BCE |
| Kaesong | North Korea | 308,000 | 700s CE |
| Kailua-Kona | United States | 12,534 | 1926 |
| Kairouan | Tunisia | 186,653 | 670 CE |
| Kajang | Malaysia | 479,033 | 1870s |
| Kakamega | Kenya | 91,768 | 1966 |
| Kaliningrad | Russia | 430,003 | 1255 CE |
| Kallang | Singapore | 537,700 | 1822 CE |
| Kamloops | Canada | 90,280 | 1893 |
| Kampala | Uganda | 1,507,080 | 1890 |
| Kampong Cham | Cambodia | 63,165 | unknown |
| Kampong Thom | Cambodia | 47,800 | unknown |
| Kampung Baharu | Malaysia | 44,850 | 1910 |
| Kampung Baru | Malaysia | 46,321 | 1900 |
| Kamyanets-Podilskyi | Ukraine | 100,000 | 1062 CE |
| Kananga | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 1,000,000 | 1959 |
| Kanazawa | Japan | 465,033 | 1583 |
| Kandahar | Afghanistan | 590,400 | 1021 |
| Kangnung | South Korea | 213,972 | 1589 |
| Kannur | India | 349,730 | 1102 |
| Kano | Nigeria | 3,958,208 | 999 CE |
| Kanpur | India | 3,021,319 | 1803 |
| Kansas City | United States | 508,090 | 1838 |
| Kaohsiung | Taiwan | 2,773,483 | 1624 CE |
| Karachi | Pakistan | 14,970,473 | 712 CE |
| Karaganda | Kazakhstan | 470,000 | 1934 |
| Karakol | Kyrgyzstan | 73,638 | 1869 |
| Karbala | Iraq | 534 | 1534 |
| Karditsa | Greece | 56,957 | 1882 |
| Kargil | India | 140,802 | 1949 |
| Karlovy Vary | Czech Republic | 49,278 | 1370 CE |
| Karlskrona | Sweden | 35,522 | 1680 |
| Karlsruhe | Germany | 308,436 | 1715 |
| Karratha | Australia | 16,700 | 1968 |
| Kars | Turkey | 92,305 | 700 AD |
| Kasane | Botswana | 9,743 | 1960s |
| Kathmandu | Nepal | 1,003,285 | 723 CE |
| Katima Mulilo | Namibia | 28,362 | 1936 |
| Katowice | Poland | 288,247 | 1865 |
| Katse | Lesotho | 10,000 | 1995 |
| Kaukauna | United States | 15 | 1854 |
| Kaunas | Lithuania | 302,296 | 1413 CE |
| Kavala | Greece | 70,501 | 400 BC |
| Kazan | Russia | 1,251,969 | 1005 |
| Ke’anae | United States | 400 | 1900 |
| Kebili | Tunisia | 33,000 | unknown |
| Kecskemet | Hungary | 111,863 | 1368 |
| Keelung | Taiwan | 372,508 | 1875 |
| Kemerovo | Russia | 532,255 | 1918 CE |
| Kenitra | Morocco | 438,042 | 1912 |
| Kep | Cambodia | 10,000 | 1908 |
| Kerch | Russia | 147 | 540 |
| Kermanshah | Iran | 822,921 | 1600s |
| Khabarovsk | Russia | 600 | 1858 |
| Khanty-Mansiysk | Russia | 93,713 | 1930 |
| Kharkiv | Ukraine | 1,451,132 | 1654 CE |
| Khartoum | Sudan | 1,974,647 | 1821 |
| Khartum | Sudan | 5,274,321 | 1821 |
| Kherson | Ukraine | 289,767 | 1778 |
| Khorog | Tajikistan | 30,000 | 1932 |
| Khujand | Tajikistan | 174,700 | 2,500 BC |
| Kiel | Germany | 247,441 | 1233 |
| Kiev | Ukraine | 2,962,180 | 5th century |
| Kigali | Rwanda | 1,132,686 | 1907 |
| Kingston | Jamaica | 937,700 | 1692 |
| Kinshasa | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 11,855,000 | 1881 |
| Kirkuk | Iraq | 750,000 | 6th century BCE |
| Kishinev | Moldova | 534,513 | 1436 CE |
| Kishkindha | India | 75,000 | -1000 BCE |
| Kisumu | Kenya | 409,928 | 1901 |
| Kitakyushu | Japan | 988,785 | 1963 |
| Kitwe | Zambia | 522,092 | 1936 |
| Klaipeda | Lithuania | 145,033 | 1252 |
| Knoxville | United States | 187,603 | 1791 |
| Kochi | India | 677,029 | 1102 CE |
| Kodiak | United States | 5,924 | 1793 |
| Kohalpur | Nepal | 93,017 | 1980s |
| Kolding | Denmark | 90,480 | 1232 |
| Kolkata | India | 4,926,000 | 1690 |
| Konya | Turkey | 2,130,544 | 13th century CE |
| Koppel | Ukraine | 25,000 | 1600s |
| Kosice | Slovakia | 238,978 | 1230 |
| Kostroma | Russia | 268,785 | 1152 |
| Kotka | Finland | 52,916 | 1879 |
| Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia | 1,798,000 | 1857 |
| Kumamoto | Japan | 670,336 | 1588 |
| Kumasi | Ghana | 2,969,280 | 1680 |
| Kunming | China | 6,725,000 | 7th century |
| Kuopio | Finland | 119,264 | 1653 |
| Kutaisi | Georgia | 188,972 | 6th century BCE |
| Kyiv | Ukraine | 2,962,180 | 482 CE |
| Kyoto | Japan | 1,471,957 | 794 CE |
Descriptions
Kabul
The capital and largest city of Afghanistan, situated at the confluence of the Kabul and Logar rivers. It is a major economic and cultural center, with a history dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
Kaesong
Historic city and former capital of the Goryeo dynasty, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and was a center of trade and culture during the Middle Ages.
Kailua-Kona
A coastal town on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kailua-Kona is known for its beaches, resorts, and historical sites, including Hulihe’e Palace and Mokuaikaua Church, one of the oldest Christian churches in the Hawaiian Islands.
Kairouan
One of the Maghreb’s holiest cities, Kairouan was an important center of Islamic civilization and a major stopover on the trans-Saharan trade route. It is home to the Great Mosque of Kairouan, a significant Islamic landmark.
Kajang
A rapidly growing town in Selangor, Malaysia, Kajang is a major commercial and industrial hub, home to various manufacturing and technology companies. It is also known for its popular local cuisine, particularly its ‘satay’ skewered grilled meat.
Kakamega
The largest town in western Kenya, Kakamega is the capital of Kakamega County and an important agricultural and commercial center. It is known for its dense Kakamega Forest, a remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest.
Kaliningrad
A Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad was formerly the Prussian city of K�nigsberg. It is known for its medieval-era K�nigsberg Cathedral and the Kaliningrad Regional Drama Theater.
Kallang
Kallang is a planning area and residential town in Singapore, known for the Kallang River, the Kallang Basin, and the Singapore Sports Hub, which includes the National Stadium.
Kamloops
A city in the interior of British Columbia, Canada, Kamloops is a hub for outdoor recreation, situated at the confluence of the North and South Thompson rivers. It is known for its semi-arid climate, wineries, and as a transportation and service center.
Kampala
The capital and largest city of Uganda, located on the northern shore of Lake Victoria. It is a bustling, cosmopolitan city and the economic and administrative center of the country.
Kampong Cham
An important commercial and agricultural center in Cambodia, Kampong Cham is located on the Mekong River and is known for its colonial-era architecture and Buddhist temples.
Kampong Thom
A provincial capital located in central Cambodia, known for its ancient temples and as a gateway to the nearby Angkor archaeological site.
Kampung Baharu
A neighborhood located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, known for its traditional Malay architecture and cultural heritage.
Kampung Baru
A traditional Malay settlement in Kuala Lumpur, known for its well-preserved cultural heritage and unique architecture with wooden houses and narrow streets.
Kamyanets-Podilskyi
A historic city in western Ukraine, Kamyanets-Podilskyi is known for its well-preserved Old Town and 16th-century castle overlooking the Smotrych River canyon.
Kananga
The capital of Kasa�-Central province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kananga is a major administrative and commercial center. It is known for its role in the Congolese Civil War and its diverse population of over 1 million people.
Kanazawa
A historic city known for its well-preserved Edo-period geisha district, samurai residences, and Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.
Kandahar
The second-largest city in Afghanistan, known for its ancient citadel, lively bazaars, and as the birthplace of the Pashtun people and the Taliban movement.
Kangnung
A coastal city in Gangwon Province, famous for its beaches, the annual Gangneung Danoje Festival, and the 2018 Winter Olympics venues.
Kannur
A historic city in Kerala, known for its ancient port, Theyyam ritual performances, and the ‘Armoury Street’ showcasing traditional weapons and crafts.
Kano
The largest city in northern Nigeria and the second-largest city in the country. It is a major commercial and educational hub, with a rich history dating back to the 11th century.
Kanpur
An industrial city in Uttar Pradesh, home to numerous textile mills and considered the ‘Manchester of India’ for its thriving textile industry.
Kansas City
A major Midwest city straddling the border of Kansas and Missouri, known for its jazz music scene, barbecue cuisine, and the National World War I Museum.
Kaohsiung
The second-largest city in Taiwan, Kaohsiung is a major port and industrial center, as well as a hub for arts, culture, and tourism, featuring attractions like the Kaohsiung Harbor and the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist monastery.
Karachi
The largest city and financial capital of Pakistan, Karachi is a bustling metropolis known for its diverse culture, colonial-era architecture, and vibrant street life, as well as its role as a major commercial and shipping center.
Karaganda
A major industrial center and the fourth-largest city in Kazakhstan. It is known for its coal mining, metallurgical, and chemical industries, as well as its universities and cultural institutions.
Karakol
A picturesque city at the eastern end of Issyk Kul Lake, surrounded by the Tian Shan mountains and known for its Russian-style wooden architecture.
Karbala
An ancient city, Karbala is home to the Imam Husayn Shrine, a holy site for Shia Muslims. It is a major center of Shia pilgrimage and has a rich cultural heritage.
Karditsa
A city in central Greece, known for its lush green landscapes, traditional villages, and as a hub for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Kargil
A town in the Kargil district of Ladakh, known for its strategic location on the India-Pakistan border and as a hub for adventure tourism.
Karlovy Vary
A spa town in the Czech Republic, Karlovy Vary is renowned for its thermal springs and grand, colonnaded architecture, attracting visitors from around the world seeking its therapeutic waters and picturesque setting.
Karlskrona
The capital of Blekinge County, famous for its well-preserved 17th-century naval port and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Baroque city center.
Karlsruhe
A planned city in southwest Germany, known for its 18th-century palace, the ZKM Center for Art and Media, and as a leading tech and research hub.
Karratha
A city in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, Karratha is a hub for the state’s mining and resources industries. It is known for its modern infrastructure, outdoor recreation opportunities, and as a gateway to the Dampier Archipelago and Burrup Peninsula.
Kars
A historic city near the Armenian border, known for its medieval castle, the ‘K�mbet Mosque’ with its unique Armenian-influenced architecture, and as a gateway to outdoor adventures.
Kasane
A small town in northern Botswana, serving as the main entry point to Chobe National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.
Kathmandu
The capital and largest city of Nepal, situated in a valley in the Himalayas. It is a vibrant, historic city known for its ancient temples, palaces, and bustling markets.
Katima Mulilo
The administrative center of the Zambezi Region, known for its proximity to the Caprivi Strip and as a hub for ecotourism and wildlife conservation.
Katowice
An important industrial and cultural center in southern Poland, known for its music festivals, museums, and proximity to the Silesian Metropolis.
Katse
A town in Lesotho, located in the Maluti Mountains, Katse is home to the Katse Dam, the highest dam in Africa and a crucial part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which provides water and hydroelectric power to South Africa.
Kaukauna
Kaukauna is a city in Outagamie County, Wisconsin, United States. It is situated on the Fox River and is known for its historic mills and hydroelectric power plants.
Kaunas
The second-largest city in Lithuania, Kaunas is a important economic and cultural center, known for its well-preserved Old Town, the 14th-century Kaunas Castle, and its status as the country’s temporary capital during the interwar period.
Kavala
A port city in northern Greece, known for its Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, the ancient ruins of Philippi, and as a gateway to the islands of the northern Aegean Sea.
Kazan
The capital and largest city of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan is a major cultural, historical, and economic center in Russia. It is known for its Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as its universities, sports teams, and vibrant cultural life.
Ke’anae
Ke’anae is a small Hawaiian community on the island of Maui, known for its taro fields, traditional Hawaiian culture, and scenic coastal landscape.
Kebili
An oasis town in southern Tunisia, known for its historic date palm groves, traditional architecture, and as a starting point for desert excursions.
Kecskemet
A city in central Hungary, known for its Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, the J�zsef Katona Theatre, and as a center of the country’s fruit and vegetable production.
Keelung
A port city in northern Taiwan, known for its natural harbor, the Miaokou Night Market, and as a hub for maritime trade and transportation.
Kemerovo
A major industrial center in Siberia, Kemerovo is known for its coal mining, metallurgy, and chemical industries, as well as its proximity to the Kuzbass region, a key part of Russia’s mining and energy production.
Kenitra
A coastal city in northern Morocco, known for its modern port facilities, the Royal Golf Club of Kenitra, and as a center of Morocco’s automotive industry.
Kep
A seaside resort town in southern Cambodia, known for its colonial-era villas, fresh seafood, and as a popular weekend getaway destination.
Kerch
Kerch is a city in Crimea, located on the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It is an important port and industrial center, with a rich history dating back to ancient Greek colonization.
Kermanshah
A historic city in western Iran, known for its ancient rock carvings, traditional Persian gardens, and as a center of Iran’s Kurdish culture.
Khabarovsk
Khabarovsk is a major city in the Russian Far East, situated on the banks of the Amur River. It is an important industrial and transportation hub, as well as a cultural center with museums and art galleries.
Khanty-Mansiysk
The administrative center of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, renowned for its natural beauty, winter sports facilities, and as a hub for the oil and gas industry.
Kharkiv
The second-largest city in Ukraine, Kharkiv is an important educational, scientific, and cultural hub, known for its universities, research institutes, and landmarks like the Derzhprom building and the Assumption Cathedral.
Khartoum
The capital and largest city of Sudan, located at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers. It is a major political, economic, and cultural center, with a rich history and diverse population.
Khartum
The capital and largest city of Sudan, located at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers. It is a major political, economic, and cultural hub in Northeast Africa.
Kherson
A port city on the Black Sea coast, known for its 18th-century fortress, the Antonivskyi Bridge, and as a hub for shipbuilding and grain exports.
Khorog
The administrative center of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, situated in the Pamir Mountains and known for its traditional Ismaili culture and stunning natural surroundings.
Khujand
One of the oldest cities in Central Asia, known for its ancient citadel, traditional markets, and as a center of Tajik culture and history.
Kiel
A major port city on the Baltic Sea, known for its annual Kiel Week sailing regatta, the Kiel Fjord, and as a hub for the German Navy.
Kiev
The capital and largest city of Ukraine. It is an ancient and culturally rich city, known for its historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and as a center of education and innovation.
Kigali
The capital and largest city of Rwanda, situated in the country’s geographic center. It has experienced rapid growth and development since the 1994 Rwandan genocide and is now a thriving commercial and administrative hub.
Kingston
The capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the country’s southeastern coast. It is a major port, commercial center, and cultural hub, with a vibrant music scene and colonial-era architecture.
Kinshasa
The capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, situated on the banks of the Congo River. It is a densely populated, chaotic urban center and a major economic and political hub in Central Africa.
Kirkuk
An ancient city in northern Iraq, Kirkuk is known for its diverse population, rich history, and cultural significance, with influences from Kurdish, Turkmen, Arab, and Assyrian communities, as well as its role as a major oil production center.
Kishinev
The capital and largest city of Moldova, Kishinev (also known as Chi?in?u) is a modern, European-influenced city with a mix of Soviet-era and contemporary architecture, as well as a thriving cultural scene and role as the country’s economic and political hub.
Kishkindha
An ancient city that is believed to be the capital of the Kishkindha Kingdom, mentioned in the epic Ramayana. It is located in the present-day state of Karnataka, India, and is considered a significant archaeological and cultural site.
Kisumu
The third-largest city in Kenya and the principal city of western Kenya. It is an important port on Lake Victoria and a hub for trade, transportation, and tourism.
Kitakyushu
A city located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, formed in 1963 by the merger of five smaller cities. It is an important industrial center, known for its steel and chemical industries, as well as its role in the post-war economic recovery of Japan.
Kitwe
The second-largest city in Zambia and a major industrial and commercial center, known for its copper mining and processing industries.
Klaipeda
A major port city on the Baltic Sea, known for its Old Town’s German-influenced architecture, the Curonian Spit, and as a hub for shipping and tourism.
Knoxville
A city in eastern Tennessee, known for its vibrant music scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and as the home of the University of Tennessee.
Kochi
A major port city in the state of Kerala, India, known for its historic trading connections, colonial-era architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It is a hub for tourism, commerce, and education in southern India.
Kodiak
A port city on Kodiak Island, Alaska, known for its fishing industry, Coast Guard base, and as a gateway to the Kodiak Archipelago and natural wonders.
Kohalpur
A rapidly growing city in western Nepal, known as a transportation and commercial hub, as well as a gateway to the Bardiya National Park.
Kolding
A city in southern Denmark, known for its medieval castle, the Kolding Fjord, and as a hub for design, innovation, and sustainable development.
Kolkata
The capital of West Bengal, known for its colonial-era architecture, lively street life, and as a center of Indian culture, education, and industry.
Konya
An ancient city in central Turkey, known for its well-preserved Seljuk-era architecture and as the spiritual home of the Mevlevi Order of Sufism, also known as the ‘Whirling Dervishes’.
Koppel
A city in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine, known for its chemical industry, coal mining, and as a transportation hub connecting eastern and central Ukraine.
Kosice
The second-largest city in Slovakia, known for its well-preserved Old Town, the St. Elisabeth Cathedral, and as a center of industry, education, and culture.
Kostroma
A city on the Volga River, known for its well-preserved 17th-century architecture, as the birthplace of the Romanov dynasty, and as a center of textiles and tourism.
Kotka
A port city on the Gulf of Finland, known for its shipbuilding industry, maritime history, and as a hub for both commercial and recreational activities.
Kuala Lumpur
The capital and largest city of Malaysia, situated at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. It is a modern, cosmopolitan city known for its diverse architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and status as a major financial and commercial hub in Southeast Asia.
Kumamoto
A city on the island of Kyushu, known for its well-preserved Kumamoto Castle, the active volcano Mount Aso, and as a center of traditional crafts and cuisine.
Kumasi
The second-largest city in Ghana and the capital of the Ashanti Region. It is a historic city, known for its rich Ashanti culture, traditional architecture, and as a center of commerce and education in West Africa.
Kunming
The capital of Yunnan province, known for its mild climate, diverse ethnic minority cultures, and as a gateway to the natural wonders of southwestern China.
Kuopio
A city on the shores of Lake Kallavesi, known for its university, traditional wooden architecture, and as a hub for healthcare, education, and technology in eastern Finland.
Kutaisi
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located in western Georgia. It was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis and later the Kingdom of Imereti, and is known for its well-preserved historical landmarks and cultural heritage.
Kyiv
The capital and largest city of Ukraine, situated on the Dnieper River. It is a historic, culturally rich city, known for its magnificent Orthodox cathedrals, vibrant arts scene, and status as a major political, economic, and educational center.
Kyoto
The former imperial capital of Japan and a city of immense cultural and historical significance. It is renowned for its well-preserved temples, shrines, gardens, and traditional architecture, making it a prime destination for tourists and a hub of traditional Japanese culture.
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