Canberra

views updated May 11 2018

Canberra Capital of Australia on the River Molonglo, Australian Capital Territory, se Australia. Settled in the early 1820s, it was chosen in 1908 as the new site for Australia's capital (succeeding Melbourne). The transfer of all governmental agencies was not completed until after World War II. Canberra has the Australian National University (1946), Royal Australian Mint (1965), Royal Military College and Stromlo Observatory. The new Parliament House opened in 1988. Other important buildings include the National Library, National Museum, and National Gallery. Pop. (2002 est.) 315,400.