There are 100 capitals that start with the letter R. From Raanana to Rwamagana. 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 R

Capitals country population founding year
Raanana Israel 93,288 1934
Raba Algeria 58,522 1871
Rabat Morocco 577,827 1912
Rabaul Papua New Guinea 26,767 1910
Rabigh Saudi Arabia 220,000 1980
Rabwah Pakistan 44,850 1948
Racale Italy 10,462 1270
Racha Georgia 13,000 10th century
Racha-Lechkhumi Georgia 29,053 1921
Rachael Liberia 7,590 1940s
Rachna Pakistan 280,000 1947
Racife Brazil 1,555,003 1537
Rackeve Hungary 18,590 13th century
Radauti Romania 31,336 1392
Radeberg Germany 19,206 1519
Radenci Slovenia 2,258 1960s
Radium Hot Springs Canada 800 1886
Radlje ob Dravi Slovenia 3,590 12th century
Radom Poland 209,274 1364
Radovljica Slovenia 7,384 12th century
Rae Bareli India 179,462 N/A
Raetihi New Zealand 840 1901
Rafsanjan Iran 202,349 N/A
Ragama Sri Lanka 93,523 20th century
Ragusa Italy 73,301 13th century
Rahovec Kosovo 51,754 14th century
Raigarh India 288,000 1948
Raipur India 1,120,000 1820
Raishahi Bangladesh 481,834 1986
Rajbiraj Nepal 47,302 18th century
Rajkot India 1,390,640 1819
Rajshahi Bangladesh 448,087 1692
Rakhine Myanmar 3,188,807 c. 3rd century BCE
Rakovski Bulgaria 27,798 1966
Rakvere Estonia 15,918 1226
Raleigh United States 469,698 1792
Rama Niger 36,367 1922
Ramallah Palestinian Territories 57,000 1610
Ramat Gan Israel 154,638 1920s
Ramla Israel 77,000 1948
Rampur India 289,863 1774
Rancagua Chile 233,540 1743
Ranchi India 1,120,374 1909
Rangoon Myanmar 4,355,000 6th century
Rangoon (Yangon) Myanmar 4,477,638 6th century
Rangpur Bangladesh 399,819 1769
Ranipet India 135,258 1995
Rapid City United States 70,812 1876
Rarotonga Cook Islands 13,007 1888
Ratlam India 329,193 1589
Raurkela India 537,957 1955
Rautatientori Finland 620,715 1812
Ravenna Italy 158,368 5th century
Rawalpindi Pakistan 1,149,307 11th century
Rawang Malaysia 174,700 1880s
Rawson Argentina 75,251 1886
Rayong Thailand 339,182 c. 13th century
Razgrad Bulgaria 34,928 681
Reading United Kingdom 163,203 1732
Recife Brazil 1,537,704 1537
Redding United States 90,764 1872
Regensburg Germany 153,651 179 AD
Reggio Calabria Italy 183,035 970 BC
Regina Canada 215,106 1882
Rehoboth Namibia 43,556 1870s
Rehovot Israel 137,301 1890s
Reims France 182,302 862
Rennes France 218,677 925
Resistencia Argentina 367,368 1878
Rethymno Greece 54,251 13th century
Reutlingen Germany 114,625 1050
Revelation Australia 4,368 1989
Reykjavik Iceland 131,136 10th century
Reynosa Mexico 589,466 1749
Rheine Germany 75,336 9th century
Rhinelander United States 7,700 1884
Rhodos Greece 50,275 408 BCE
Riama Indonesia 91,000 17th century
Ribeira Grande Cape Verde 20,280 15th century
Riga Latvia 632,614 1201
Rio Branco Brazil 377,057 1882
Riobamba Ecuador 146,324 1534
Riohacha Colombia 229,917 1545
Ritoque Chile 2,500 1960s
Riyadh Saudi Arabia 5,188,286 1774
Rodrigues Mauritius 42,251 c. 16th century
Rohtak India 374,292 1366
Rome Italy 2,873,494 753 BC
Ronneby Sweden 28,639 1387
Rosario Argentina 1,193,605 1852
Roseau Dominica 16,571 1493
Roskilde Denmark 50,534 ca. 960
Rostov-on-Don Russia 1,125,000 1749
Rotorua New Zealand 58,100 1880s
Rotterdam Netherlands 651,446 1340
Rovaniemi Finland 62,420 1940s
Rukla Lithuania 4,767 1941
Rundu Namibia 63,431 1936
Rustenburg South Africa 549,575 c. 1851
Rwamagana Rwanda 107,750 1962

Descriptions

Raanana
A city located in the central part of Israel, north of Tel Aviv. It is known for its high standard of living, educated population, and as a hub for high-tech industries.
Raba
A city in northwestern Algeria, located in the Tlemcen Province. It is known for its historical landmarks, including the ‘Raba Citadel’ and the ‘Raba Mosque’.
Rabat
Rabat is the capital and largest city of Morocco, located on the Atlantic Ocean. It serves as the administrative and judicial center of the country, and is known for its historical sites such as the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas.
Rabaul
A town located on the island of New Britain, Rabaul is known for its natural harbor and proximity to several active volcanoes. It was formerly the provincial capital of East New Britain Province before being largely destroyed by volcanic eruptions in the 1990s.
Rabigh
A port city on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. It is home to the Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Company, one of the largest integrated refining and petrochemical facilities in the world.
Rabwah
A planned town in Punjab, Pakistan, Rabwah was established as the headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. It is known for its peaceful religious community and educational institutions.
Racale
A town in the province of Lecce, Apulia, Italy. It is known for its historic center, which features narrow streets, ancient buildings, and a 13th-century castle.
Racha
An administrative region in western Georgia, Racha is known for its mountainous terrain, alpine lakes, and historical landmarks like the 12th-century Shovi Church and the ruins of the medieval Vani fortress.
Racha-Lechkhumi
A region in northwestern Georgia, known for its rugged mountain landscapes, historic landmarks, and traditional wine-making culture.
Rachael
The capital city of Lofa County, Liberia, Rachael is a small urban center located in the northwest region of the country. It serves as an administrative and commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural areas.
Rachna
A city in the Punjab province of Pakistan, located along the Indus River. It is a commercial and agricultural center, with a focus on cotton and sugarcane production.
Racife
A major city in northeastern Brazil, capital of the state of Pernambuco. It is known for its historic city center, beaches, and as a hub for tourism and commerce in the region.
Rackeve
A town located on the Csepel Island in the Danube River, Rackeve is known for its well-preserved historic center, including the 18th-century Baroque-style Serbian Orthodox Church and the Renaissance-era N�dasdy Castle.
Radauti
A city in northern Romania, near the border with Ukraine. It is known for its historic buildings, including the 15th-century Princely Court and the UNESCO-listed Sucevi?a Monastery.
Radeberg
A town in Saxony, Germany, known for its production of Radeberger, one of the most popular German pilsner beers. The town is also home to a historic castle and scenic parks.
Radenci
A spa town in northeastern Slovenia, Radenci is famous for its mineral springs and thermal baths. It is a popular destination for health and wellness tourism, drawing visitors from across Europe.
Radium Hot Springs
A small resort town in British Columbia, Canada, known for its natural hot springs and as a gateway to Kootenay National Park. The town is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Radlje ob Dravi
A small town in northeastern Slovenia, Radlje ob Dravi is situated along the Dravinja River. It is known for its well-preserved medieval town center and the nearby Ribnica Castle, a 13th-century fortified manor house.
Radom
An important industrial and cultural center in central Poland, known for its old town, museums, and annual cultural festivals.
Radovljica
A picturesque town in northwestern Slovenia, Radovljica is renowned for its well-preserved historic center, featuring a medieval town square, Baroque architecture, and the 16th-century Radovljica Manor, which now houses a museum.
Rae Bareli
The administrative headquarters of Rae Bareli district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its historical monuments, including the Dalmau Fort and the Dariyabad Palace.
Raetihi
A small town in the Ruapehu district of New Zealand’s North Island, serving as a gateway to the Tongariro National Park and ski resorts.
Rafsanjan
A city in the Kerman province of Iran, Rafsanjan is known for its pistachio production and as a center of the country’s pistachio industry. The city’s economy is heavily dependent on the cultivation and export of this nut.
Ragama
A suburban town north of Colombo, Ragama is home to the University of Kelaniya and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, making it an important center for education and healthcare in Sri Lanka.
Ragusa
A city in southern Sicily, Italy, Ragusa is known for its well-preserved Baroque architecture and historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was largely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693.
Rahovec
A town in southern Kosovo, Rahovec is known for its vineyards and wine production. It is also home to the Rahovec Castle, a 14th-century fortified structure that overlooks the surrounding agricultural landscape.
Raigarh
An industrial city in the state of Chhattisgarh, India, known for its steel production, thermal power plants, and nearby wildlife reserves.
Raipur
The capital city of the state of Chhattisgarh, India, with a thriving economy based on steel, power, and information technology industries.
Raishahi
The administrative center of Rajshahi Division in Bangladesh, known for its universities, historical sites, and the production of mangoes and silk.
Rajbiraj
The administrative center of Saptari District, Rajbiraj is a bustling market town in southeastern Nepal. It is known for its Hindu temples, including the Janaki Mandir, and its role as a regional transportation hub.
Rajkot
An industrial city in the Gujarat state of India, known for its textile, engineering, and chemical industries. It is home to several historical landmarks, including the Ranjit Vilas Palace and the Mahatma Gandhi Museum.
Rajshahi
Rajshahi is a major city and administrative center in northwestern Bangladesh. It is known for its thriving silk industry, scenic landscapes, and historical sites like the Varendra Research Museum and the Rajshahi University campus.
Rakhine
A state in western Myanmar, with its capital at Sittwe. It is known for its Buddhist temples, scenic coastline, and the historical conflict between the Rakhine people and the Rohingya minority.
Rakovski
A city in central Bulgaria, named after the Bulgarian national hero Georgian Sava Rakovski. It is known for its well-preserved Renaissance-era architecture and its annual festival of Bulgarian folklore and culture.
Rakvere
An ancient town in northern Estonia, featuring a medieval castle, historic churches, and a vibrant cultural scene with annual festivals and events.
Raleigh
The capital city of North Carolina, Raleigh is known for its universities, museums, and cultural attractions, including the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Rama
Rama is the capital city of the Dosso Region in southwestern Niger. It serves as an important regional hub for trade and commerce, particularly in agricultural products and livestock.
Ramallah
Ramallah is the administrative capital of the Palestinian National Authority and a major commercial and cultural center in the West Bank. It is known for its vibrant arts and music scene, as well as its bustling cafes and restaurants.
Ramat Gan
A city in the Tel Aviv District of Israel, Ramat Gan is known for its high-rise buildings, including the Platinum Tower, and its role as a center for finance and business. It is also home to the iconic Lion Monument and the Bar-Ilan University campus.
Ramla
An ancient city in central Israel, with a diverse cultural heritage that includes historic mosques, churches, and an ancient market.
Rampur
A city in the Uttar Pradesh state of India, renowned for its Rampur Raza Library, which houses a vast collection of rare manuscripts, miniature paintings, and other artifacts from the Mughal era.
Rancagua
A city in central Chile, capital of the Regi�n del Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins. It is an important industrial and agricultural center, and home to the Estadio El Teniente, a major football stadium.
Ranchi
The capital city of the Jharkhand state in India, known for its scenic natural beauty, including the Dassam Falls and the Ranchi Lake. It is also an important hub for education, IT, and heavy industries.
Rangoon
Rangoon, also known as Yangon, is the largest city and former capital of Myanmar. It is a major commercial hub and home to the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the country’s most iconic and revered Buddhist landmarks.
Rangoon (Yangon)
The largest city and former capital of Myanmar, known for its colonial architecture, Buddhist pagodas, and as a center of commerce and culture.
Rangpur
A major city in northern Bangladesh, known for its historical significance, educational institutions, and as an important agricultural and industrial hub.
Ranipet
A city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, known for its leather industry and as a hub for manufacturing and logistics. It is also home to several historical temples and monuments.
Rapid City
Rapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota, situated near the Black Hills National Forest. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its proximity to Mount Rushmore National Memorial and other outdoor attractions.
Rarotonga
The largest and most populous island of the Cook Islands, located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is renowned for its lush, mountainous landscape, pristine beaches, and vibrant Polynesian culture.
Ratlam
Ratlam is a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, known for its historical monuments, temples, and as a center for the production of pharmaceuticals and textiles.
Raurkela
Raurkela is an industrial city in the Indian state of Odisha, renowned for its steel production and as the headquarters of the Rourkela Steel Plant, one of the largest steel plants in India.
Rautatientori
The main square and transportation hub in the center of Helsinki, Finland. It is surrounded by historic buildings and serves as a gathering place and starting point for many of the city’s tourist activities.
Ravenna
A city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Ravenna is renowned for its well-preserved Byzantine-era mosaics and architecture. It served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi is the fourth-largest city in Pakistan and a major commercial and military center. It is adjacent to the capital city of Islamabad and serves as an important transportation hub, with connections to the rest of the country.
Rawang
A town in the state of Selangor, Malaysia, known for its role in the tin mining industry and as a commuter town for nearby Kuala Lumpur.
Rawson
The capital city of the Chubut Province in Argentina, named after the British admiral Sir Provo Wallis Parry Wallis. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its proximity to the Peninsula Vald�s wildlife haven.
Rayong
A city in eastern Thailand, capital of the Rayong Province. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, seafood, and as a hub for the petrochemical industry.
Razgrad
An ancient city in northeastern Bulgaria, known for its Roman ruins, medieval fortifications, and as a regional center of culture and education.
Reading
Reading is the county town of Berkshire, England, and is known for its historic Abbey Quarter, the University of Reading, and its role as a major commercial and retail center in the Thames Valley region.
Recife
Recife is the capital and largest city of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, known for its colonial architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and as a hub for the petrochemical industry and tourism.
Redding
A city in northern California, located along the Sacramento River. It is a hub for outdoor recreation, with proximity to Shasta Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the Cascade Range.
Regensburg
A city in Bavaria, Germany, situated on the Danube River. It is known for its well-preserved medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as its historic bridges, cathedrals, and as a center of education and technology.
Reggio Calabria
A city in the southern Italian region of Calabria, located on the Strait of Messina. It is known for its promenade along the sea, historic landmarks, and as the birthplace of the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras.
Regina
Regina is the capital city of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, known for its legislative buildings, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) training academy, and as a hub for agriculture, energy, and transportation.
Rehoboth
A town in central Namibia, known as the birthplace of the Rehoboth Baster community and for its historical role in the country’s independence movement.
Rehovot
A city in the Central District of Israel, Rehovot is known as a center of scientific research and education. It is home to the Weizmann Institute of Science, one of the country’s leading research institutions, as well as several high-tech companies and startups.
Reims
A historic city in northern France, famous for its Gothic-style cathedral, where French kings were traditionally crowned. It is also a leading center of Champagne wine production.
Rennes
Rennes is the capital of the region of Brittany in northwestern France, renowned for its historic old town, medieval and Renaissance architecture, and as a center for higher education and research.
Resistencia
Resistencia is the capital city of the Chaco Province in northeastern Argentina, known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, including the Biennale International of Sculpture and the Chaco Museum of Fine Arts.
Rethymno
A city on the Greek island of Crete, Rethymno is known for its well-preserved Venetian-era Old Town, which features narrow streets, historic buildings, and the 16th-century Fortezza, a Venetian-era fortress overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Reutlingen
A city in the state of Baden-W�rttemberg, Germany, known for its picturesque old town, high-tech industries, and as a center of education and culture.
Revelation
A small town in Western Australia, established as a planned community and intentional spiritual community, focused on sustainable living, environmental conservation, and alternative spirituality.
Reykjavik
The capital and largest city of Iceland, Reykjavik is known for its colorful, modern architecture, geothermal-powered heating system, and its proximity to some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders, including the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights.
Reynosa
A city in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas, Reynosa is a major industrial and commercial hub, serving as an important entry point for trade between Mexico and the United States. It is also known for its vibrant cultural life and festivals.
Rheine
A city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rheine is known for its well-preserved historic center, including the 13th-century St. Dionys Church and the Bentlage Abbey ruins. It is also an important transportation hub and industrial center in the region.
Rhinelander
The county seat of Oneida County, Wisconsin, Rhinelander is a small city known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and its annual Hodag Country Festival, which celebrates the mythical Hodag creature.
Rhodos
The capital of the Greek island of Rhodes, known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, the Acropolis of Lindos, and as a popular tourist destination in the Aegean Sea.
Riama
A city on the island of Sulawesi, Riama is the capital of West Sulawesi province in Indonesia. It is known for its traditional Bugis architecture, vibrant markets, and its proximity to scenic natural areas, including the Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park.
Ribeira Grande
The second-largest city in Cape Verde, Ribeira Grande is located on the island of Santo Ant�o. It is known for its historic colonial-era architecture, including the Nossa Senhora do Ros�rio Church, and its role as a center of agriculture and fishing in the archipelago.
Riga
Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia, situated on the Baltic Sea. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned for its well-preserved Old Town, art nouveau architecture, and lively cultural and entertainment offerings.
Rio Branco
The capital city of the Acre state in Brazil, situated near the border with Bolivia. It is a hub for the rubber and timber industries and serves as a gateway to the Amazon rainforest.
Riobamba
The capital of the Chimborazo Province in central Ecuador, known for its colonial-era architecture, its proximity to the Chimborazo volcano, and as a hub for outdoor recreation and adventure tourism.
Riohacha
The capital of the La Guajira Department in northern Colombia, known for its Wayuu indigenous culture, beaches, and as a hub of ecotourism.
Ritoque
A small coastal town in the Valpara�so Region of Chile, known for its experimental architecture and art community, as well as its sand dunes and pristine beaches.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of the country. It is a modern, fast-growing metropolis that serves as the political, administrative, and financial center of the kingdom, known for its towering skyscrapers and rapid development.
Rodrigues
The autonomous outer island of Mauritius, with its capital at Port Mathurin. It is known for its pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and as a popular eco-tourism destination.
Rohtak
An important city in the state of Haryana, India, known for its historical significance, educational institutions, and as an industrial and commercial hub.
Rome
The capital city of Italy, known for its rich history, iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and as a global center of art, culture, and religion.
Ronneby
A town in the Blekinge County of southern Sweden, known for its well-preserved historic center, natural landscapes, and as a hub of culture and education.
Rosario
The third-largest city in Argentina, located in the province of Santa Fe. It is known for its riverfront promenade, its thriving art and cultural scene, and as an important industrial and agricultural center.
Roseau
Roseau is the capital and largest city of Dominica, a Caribbean island nation. It is a popular cruise ship destination and known for its colorful colonial architecture, scenic natural setting, and diverse cultural attractions.
Roskilde
An ancient city in eastern Denmark, known for its well-preserved medieval cathedral, Viking ship museum, and as a hub of culture and education.
Rostov-on-Don
A major city in southern Russia, known for its Soviet-era architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and as an important economic and transportation hub.
Rotorua
A city in the North Island of New Zealand, known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural heritage, and as a popular tourism destination.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and a major global port. It is known for its modern, innovative architecture, including the iconic Erasmus Bridge, as well as its vibrant cultural scene and diverse, cosmopolitan population.
Rovaniemi
The capital of Lapland, Finland, known as the ‘official’ hometown of Santa Claus and as a hub for winter sports, outdoor activities, and northern lights tourism.
Rukla
A town in central Lithuania, known as the location of the Lithuanian Land Force’s main military base and as a hub for the country’s defense and security operations.
Rundu
A town in northern Namibia, near the border with Angola, known as an important administrative and commercial center in the Kavango region.
Rustenburg
A city in the North West province of South Africa, known for its nearby platinum mines, as well as its historical significance in the country’s anti-apartheid struggle.
Rwamagana
The capital of the Eastern Province of Rwanda, known for its agricultural production, its role in the country’s economic development, and as a hub for tourism and outdoor activities.

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