New Zealand contains the world's southernmost national capital, Wellington.
Wellington lies on the southwestern tip of New Zealand's North Island, beside Cook Strait. Its latitude is about 41.3° south, placing it farther from the equator than any other sovereign state's capital city. The city became New Zealand's capital in 1865, replacing Auckland because its central location made it more convenient for the colony's government.
Wellington is often confused with Auckland, New Zealand's largest city and former capital. Canberra is Australia's capital, but it lies at about 35.3° south and is therefore farther north. The title refers to national capitals, not every city or settlement in the Southern Hemisphere.
The city is also known for strong winds, a compact central business district, and the Beehive, New Zealand's distinctive executive-government building.