Capital of New Zealand: Wellington — Facts & 5-Question Quiz
The capital of New Zealand is Wellington. New Zealand sits in Oceania, has a population of 5,124,100, and uses the NZD. Official languages include English, Māori.
Quick facts
- Capital: Wellington
- Continent: Oceania
- Population: ~5,124,100
- Area: 268,021 km²
- Population density: 19.1 people per km²
- Official languages: English, Māori
- Currency: NZD
- ISO code: NZ
How big is New Zealand?
By population, New Zealand ranks 123rd in the world, holding roughly 0.06% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 75th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. New Zealand has 19.1 people per square kilometre, which is about 3.1 times below the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Oceania, New Zealand is the 3rd most populous country of 14.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to New Zealand in population are Costa Rica (5,180,829) and Ireland (5,023,109).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Gabon (267,668 km²) and Burkina Faso (272,967 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
English is spoken officially in 58 countries in this dataset, including Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados and Belize, and 52 others.
New Zealand uses the NZD, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
How to remember New Zealand
Wellington, not Auckland, is the capital: it took over from Auckland in 1865. It is the world's southernmost capital of a sovereign state. On the flag, count and colour the stars: four red ones for New Zealand, while Australia's are white.
The flag of New Zealand: blue, red and white
🇳🇿 The flag is a dark blue flag with the Union Jack in the top corner and four red five-pointed stars edged in white on the right. The four stars represent the Southern Cross constellation, and the Union Jack shows the country's origins as a British colony.
Region and neighbours
New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, made up of the North Island, the South Island and over 700 smaller islands, east of Australia across the Tasman Sea. As an island country it has no land neighbours.
Three facts about New Zealand
- In 1893 New Zealand became the first nation in the world to give all women the right to vote.
- The official languages are English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.
- Wellington is described as the world's windiest city.
Sources: Wikipedia: New Zealand, Wikipedia: Flag of New Zealand, Wikipedia: Wellington, CIA World Factbook.
Quiz yourself on New Zealand
- Oceania capitals quiz — match New Zealand to Wellington
- Oceania flags quiz — spot the New Zealand flag among its neighbours
- Island nations quiz — New Zealand is an island country
New Zealand capital quiz
What is the capital of New Zealand 🇳🇿?
- Tarawa
- Wellington
- Funafuti
- Suva
Show answer
Wellington
What is the capital of Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬?
- Yaren
- Port Moresby
- Nukuʻalofa
- Suva
Show answer
Port Moresby
What is the capital of Australia 🇦🇺?
- Nukuʻalofa
- Port Vila
- Apia
- Canberra
Show answer
Canberra
What is the capital of Fiji 🇫🇯?
- Suva
- Canberra
- Port Moresby
- Tarawa
Show answer
Suva
What is the capital of Solomon Islands 🇸🇧?
- Tarawa
- Honiara
- Canberra
- Port Moresby
Show answer
Honiara
New Zealand in Oceania
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Australia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Solomon Islands.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Oceania is the block New Zealand belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of New Zealand?
The capital of New Zealand is Wellington.
What is the population of New Zealand?
About 5,124,100, making it the 123rd most populous country in the world.
How big is New Zealand?
268,021 square kilometres, ranking 75th by land area, at a density of 19.1 people per square kilometre.
What currency does New Zealand use?
The NZD, which no other country uses.
What are the colours of the New Zealand flag?
The flag of New Zealand is a dark blue flag with the Union Jack in the top corner and four red five-pointed stars edged in white on the right. The four stars represent the Southern Cross constellation, and the Union Jack shows the country's origins as a British colony.
Which countries border New Zealand?
None. New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, made up of the North Island, the South Island and over 700 smaller islands, east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, so it has no land borders with other countries.
How can I remember the capital of New Zealand?
Wellington, not Auckland, is the capital: it took over from Auckland in 1865. It is the world's southernmost capital of a sovereign state. On the flag, count and colour the stars: four red ones for New Zealand, while Australia's are white.
More capitals to learn
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