(dramatic music) - [Narrator] By definition, a capital city is one that serves as a nation's official seat of government.

Invariably they're swarming with visionaries, politicians, academics and activists.

On first pass, there appears to be a one size fits all model.

They all have broad avenues, museums, and more monuments than you can poke a bronze stick at.

But beyond that, they are as varied as the countries they represent.

Their identities are unique.

Some flaunt their history.

Others take great pride in their planned modernity.

Some are beautiful, while others despite being a little shabby around the edges, are clearly joyous places to live.

All have earned their place among the world's greatest cities.

(fireworks exploding) (inspirational music) The United States of America.

A global super-power.

Home to some of the world's most famous and influential cities.

Affectionately known as the Big Apple, New York is a financial powerhouse.

While the City of Angels, Los Angeles, is regarded as the epicenter of glamour and celebrity.

But make no mistake, the seat of power in this nation resides squarely in the capital, Washington, D.C.

A city that lives and breathes politics.

Home to the three branches of Federal Government, the President, Congress and Supreme Court, this is where many national and indeed, globally significant decisions are made.

Making Washington DC, one of the most powerful cities in the world.

Following the Declaration of Independence, the newly formed United States of America required a new capital.

The honor of choosing the site was afforded to the nation's first president, George Washington, after whom the city was eventually named.

In 1790, Washington, D.C.

was born on the banks of the Potomac River.

Today, signed copies of the Declaration of Independence form the centerpiece of the Library of Congress.

But there is more to this monument than meets the eye.

This, the world's largest library, has cataloged over 164 million items of national significance.

From historic declarations of emancipation, of triumph and tribulation, of war and peace, to every single presidential tweet.

Sharing illustrious company, the library is located adjacent to the Capitol Building, which takes pride of place on Capitol Hill.

This is the formal seat of Government.

Home to the Senate and House of Representatives.

A bastion of ideas and battlefield of ideologies, decisions made here echo globally.

Adding to the building's intrigue, beneath its well-trodden floors lies a network of underground tunnels, concealing a labyrinth of secret rooms, bomb shelters and even a private subway.

Almost every other building in Washington is called the National something and they all have a story to tell.

The National Mall stretches over three kilometers from the Capitol to Lincoln Memorial.

Bordering the Mall is the Smithsonian Institute.

Incorporating 19 museums and a zoo, it is the world's largest museum complex.

Spanning disciplines such as history, art, science and culture, the Institute strives to expand and share knowledge.

The National Air and Space Museum is a clear favorite amongst the Smithsonian Centers, receiving nine million visitors a year.

Built to commemorate the nation's first President and capital city's namesake, the Washington Monument towers above the central Mall.

Standing at over 160 meters, this iconic obelisk is the world's tallest stone structure and one of the most recognizable memorials in America.

At the western end of the Mall, stands a tribute to another American figurehead.

The Lincoln Memorial.

A champion of civil rights, President Abraham Lincoln is best known for leading the United States through its Civil War, delivering the Gettysburg Address, and ultimately bringing about the end of slavery.

A guiding light, President Lincoln's remarkable life was cut short by his assassination by John Wilkes Booth in 1865.

A century later, it was on these very steps that Martin Luther King Jr.

gave another famous speech.

Standing on the shoulders of giants, he shared his dream of equality.

- I have a dream, that one day this Nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.

(cheering) - [Narrator] Echoing through the annals of modern history, Doctor King's dream was to become a reality some 50 years later.

As Barack Obama was sworn in as the nation's first African American President in 2009.

- This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

The knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall.

- [Narrator] The White House has been the official residence and workplace of every President since 1800.

For Americans, it's an iconic image of democracy and the Oval Office is famed for the power that comes with it.

The metropolitan area of D.C.

continues across the river into Virginia.

Arlington, Virginia is home to the Pentagon, the center of America's military might and the Arlington Cemetery, a resting place for America's servicemen and women who gave their lives in service to their country.

Not the least, President John F Kennedy, whose grave is marked with an eternal flame.

The CIA'S headquarters are located in nearby Langley, this is where life imitates art.

Where the stuff of spy novels plays out in real life on a daily basis.

For most Americans, Washington, D.C.

is more than a capital city, more than a hub of political power and military might.

It's a beacon of hope, a tribute to a proud history and the heart of a modern empire.

(dramatic music) Sitting at the mouth of the River Liffey, Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland.

It's a city with a checkered history that can be traced back more than 1,000 years.

Despite the geographic isolation of this small island nation, Ireland has been shaped by many external influences.

Originally inhabited by the Celtic people.

The area was first invaded by the Romans, then the Vikings and then the Britons.

But today, Dublin is fiercely independent.

The capital plays host to the Democratic Republic's, Government buildings.

Serving as the nation's seat of power since it gained independence from the British in 1921.

Housing both the President and Prime Minister, this location forms the epicenter of Irish politics.

Despite its rich pagan and Protestant traditions, make no mistake, modern day Dublin is a decidedly Catholic town.

The city is adorned with many spectacular churches, including St Patrick's Cathedral.

Its namesake, St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.

Each year on March 17, St Patrick's day is observed as a religious holiday.

But in essence, it has become a celebration of all things Irish.

People dress up in green, don shamrocks, parade, party and drink bucket loads of Irish whiskey, and of course, Guinness.

Guinness is Dublin's signature stout and one of the city's greatest exports.

But to Dubliners, it's much more than that.

Unlike much of Europe in the late 19th century, Dublin did not experience the full effect of the industrial revolution.

And as such, the Guinness factory provided stable employment for many of Dublin's unskilled workers, at a time when famine gripped the nation.

Elevating this beverage into a cultural icon.

Today, the world consumes almost one billion liters of the stout every year.

But they say, the closer you are to Dublin, the better the Guinness tastes.

And in this capital city, there is no shortage of places to get a drink.

Dublin boasts over 1000 pubs.

In fact, it seems that pub culture and Irish culture are inseparable.

Socializing with family and friends at the local establishment is a national pastime.

Although some embrace it more than others.

Of course, what's an Irish pub without a little music?

An art form close to the nation's heart.

(Celtic music) As the cultural capital, Dublin is renowned for producing a number of globally celebrated stars.

Leaving their own mark on the world, other famous Dubliners include mathematician, George Salmon, Political theorist, William Lecky, And 19th century avant-garde author, Oscar Wilde.

Academics that owe the discipline of their craft to the leading educational institutions of the city.

Trinity College, in particular is the alma mater for many of these illustrious names.

The university's old library looks like something out of Hogwarts and houses, amongst other important documents, the famous Book of Kells.

Hand illustrated, illuminated manuscripts that include the four gospels of the New Testament.

Created over 1200 years ago, they are a masterwork of western calligraphy and testament to a rich Catholic history.

Beyond the sanctuary of the library, when the weather permits, students take their studies outdoors.

What capital city would be complete without communal gardens?

In Dublin that means St Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park.

Running off St Stephen's Green is Grafton Street, Dublin's most famous shopping destination.

Buskers perform here day and night, creating an atmosphere that reflects the magical essence of a modern cosmopolitan city.

A lively city, Dublin embodies the cheeky, hopeful yet proud Irish spirit like only this capital could.

(dramatic music) (oriental music) As controversial as it is progressive, Taipei boasts both a colorful history and bright future.

Located on the northern tip of Taiwan, Taipei City is the capital of the Republic of China, or R.O.C.

It's a thriving modern metropolis and hi-tech powerhouse.

The strength of its capital's emerging economy has earned Taiwan the mantle Asian Tiger.

But its rise to greatness hasn't been an easy one.

In 1949, following the loss of the Chinese mainland to the Communists in the wake of the Chinese Civil War, the ruling members fled to Taiwan.

Where they established a Government in exile.

Despite maintaining their claim to be the legitimate Government of the Chinese mainland, today, the R.O.C'S power is limited to Taiwan and its surrounding islands.

While controversy still surrounds the political landscape in the region, one thing is for certain, Taiwan has since gone from strength to strength.

Driven by the rapid industrialization and economic growth of its capital city, Taiwan is on the rise.

Over the past few decades, Taipei City has grown exponentially.

The sprawling metropolitan area now accommodates over seven million people.

That's a lot of people to feed.

Luckily, the local culture has it covered.

Night markets are a popular destination for Taiwanese.

There are multitudes of them dotted throughout the capital.

In addition to the staggering array of street food, the markets provide a shopper's paradise.

There's everything from consumer goods, to clothing and the odd exotic pet.

Pungent, crowded and noisy, they are an integral part of Taipei life.

For those with more refined tastes, the capital boasts some world class cultural institutions.

Home to the world's biggest collection of Chinese art, the National Palace Museum houses a huge selection of paintings, statues, calligraphy, ceramics, jade and various other priceless Chinese antiques.

Many of the artifacts seen here only survived Communist China's cultural revolution by finding refuge in exile.

A silver lining in an otherwise controversial cloud.

Affectionately known as the City of Temples, Taipei attracts millions of visitors every year.

Dedicated to various Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities, the temples are as varied as they are spectacular.

Reflective of the city's dense history and modern face, the ruins of the ancient Wuchang Temple, which collapsed over 1000 years ago, stands side by side with a modern replica of the original, in all its glory.

The Bao'an Temple is one of the most pristine temples to be found in the capital and has been awarded a UNESCO prize for cultural preservation.

Decorated with exquisite traditional arts, the temple is also a center of excellence for performing arts.

Not to be mistaken for a temple, the Grand Hotel is one of the largest buildings in Chinese classical style.

Having hosted several American Presidents and Nelson Mandela, it might be hard to believe that it was the tallest building in Taipei for almost 10 years.

But now it pales in comparison to the city's many skyscrapers, none higher than the 1/2-kilometer-tall Taipei 101 building.

Looming over the cityscape, this landmark skyscraper claimed the title of World's Tallest Building until the completion of the 829-meter-tall Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010.

Inspired by the flexible form of a bamboo stalk, Taipei 101 was designed to withstand the earthquakes and typhoons that frequent the area.

To view this modern capital in all its glory, the best vantage point is from Elephant Mountain, a popular sunset spot for locals and tourists alike.

Yangmingshan Mountain is a National Park that provides relief from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Famous for its cherry blossoms, hot springs and many monuments, it's a popular hiking spot.

A city with sights set firmly on the world of tomorrow, Taipei harnesses the geothermal power of its natural surroundings.

Taipei, a capital in exile, cultural citadel and global powerhouse.

No matter its political prospects, the future for this Asian Tiger looks bright.

(dramatic music) In central Europe, on the banks of the Mighty Danube, lies a grand and eclectic city.

Budapest.

The ancient capital of Hungary.

Budapest is in fact, two cities, Buda and Pest, divided by the Danube River, that flows from Germany to the Black Sea in the Ukraine.

Together they form one of the EU'S most populous and indeed prosperous, regions.

Also, famed as one of Europe's most beautiful urban centers, the stunning architectural diversity of Budapest tells the story of a capital steeped in history.

Since its settlement around the time of Christ, the city has been influenced by invaders and conquerors from as far afield as Western Europe and Central Asia.

Each culture leaving an unmistakable mark on the city's ever evolving landscape.

From ancient Roman architecture, to examples of the gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods, to more contemporary constructions.

Hungary's capital is a conglomerate of timeless design.

Otherwise known as the City of Baths, Budapest is one of the few places in the world to retain original Turkish bathhouses.

A legacy of the 16th century Ottoman occupation.

While not the oldest of thermal baths in the city, the Szechenyi Baths are certainly the largest.

Built in 1913, this complex boasts 15 indoor baths, 18 pools, three grand outdoor pools and 10 saunas.

Thermal springs heat the water to a soothing 38 degrees.

Combined with a high mineral content, it's reputed to have great medicinal powers.

Local doctors will even prescribe time in particular pools that are thought to treat certain conditions.

Of course, they're also great places to simply unwind.

Adjacent to the bathhouse is Heroes' Square.

A tribute to the leaders of the Seven Magyar Tribes, the original founders of the Kingdom of Hungary.

Nearby, Buda Castle is a historic palace dating back to the 13th century.

It sits above a 28-kilometer-long network of caves formed by the thermal springs.

It was once home to royalty including the Hapsburgs, a powerful family that ruled over much of Europe during that period.

Having survived numerous sackings over the centuries, today the Castle houses the Hungarian National Gallery, the Castle Museum, and the National Library.

Known simply as the House of the Nation, the Hungarian Parliament resides over the capital and the nation, from a prominent position on the banks of the Danube.

It's home to a democratically elected central Government, but Hungary's path to freedom has not been an easy one.

In line with a long history of foreign influence, during the 20th century, Budapest was first occupied by Nazi Germany and then the Soviets.

As the world watched on in the summer of 1956, its citizens revolted against Soviet rule.

What started out as a peaceful protest, soon descended into violence.

Moscow's retaliation was swift and brutal.

The ensuing conflict claimed over 3000 civilian lives.

It wasn't until 1991 when the Soviet Empire began to crumble, that Hungary eventually claimed its independence.

Monuments of the Soviet era have long since been removed from the city streets.

But, the majority of Budapest's historical buildings enjoy heritage listings, leaving this capital to celebrate a rich past, as it moves forward as a modern and independent city.

(dramatic music) Phnom Penh is the pearl of Asia.

The Paris of the east and the cultural, commercial and political capital of Cambodia.

Located in the Mekong Delta, this steamy capital city has a thriving population of just over 1.5 million.

Once a hub for the Khmer Empire, more recently, it was the pride of French Indochina.

The architecture and wide boulevards of the city indicative of French colonial influence.

Although Phnom Penh has had a rough road to modernity, it's now well and truly on its way to becoming a grand, contemporary capital.

Cutting through the city, the mighty Mekong River is the lifeblood of Cambodia.

Flowing from the capital, it's used to deliver goods to the surrounding rural regions and beyond.

And where the mighty Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River, one of the jewels of Cambodia can be found, the Royal Palace is residence to the King of Cambodia.

Containing a public section, many rare and sacred treasures are housed inside.

Paying homage to Angkor Wat in architectural style, the complex was opened in 1866, but is still a work in progress.

Benefiting from regular updates to this day.

A once great civilization, Cambodia's history is a checkered one.

Scattered around the city are numerous monuments that mark significant moments.

Independence Monument, in the center of Phnom Penh, was built to commemorate the end of French colonial rule in 1953.

Rather than an occasion to celebrate, the event created a power vacuum that led to the country's darkest moment.

The Buddhist Stupa at Choeung Ek, contains the remains of up to two million people killed during the genocide of Pol Pot's 1970's Khmer Rouge dictatorship.

Stark reminders of these atrocities can also be found at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

And the coldly named killing fields, in which hundreds of Cambodians were murdered on a daily basis between 1975 and 1979.

Ironically, Pol Pot's post-colonial genocide only ended when the Vietnamese invaded in the late 1970s.

Acknowledging grander times, Phnom Penh's National Museum focuses on the Khmer Empire of the 13th century and its capital, Angkor Wat, the most powerful pre-industrial urban center in the world.

Despite years of colonial domination and civil turmoil, Khmer culture remains strong in the nation's capital.

Markets sell traditional foods.

Children are taught politeness, obedience, and respect.

And brightly dressed monks bestow the virtues of a majority Buddhist population.

Once a jewel in the crown of Asia, Phnom Penh is rising from the ashes of the events of the 20th century, as it embraces a new identity in the 21st.

(dramatic music) Madrid is the political, economic, and cultural capital of Spain.

Nestled on the Iberian Peninsula, it's one of the largest and richest cities in Europe.

While it presents as an unmistakably modern city, Madrid has managed to preserve many of its historical streets and neighborhoods.

Dripping with culture and charm, Madrid is Spain's number one tourist attraction.

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Madrid served as the heart and soul of one of the largest empires in history.

While Spain's cultural and architectural legacy may been seen all over the world, there is no greater testament to the wealth and opulence of the once great empire, than the Royal Palace.

Spanning over 135 square kilometers and boasting over 3000 rooms, it's the largest palace in Europe.

Now a museum, it houses an extraordinary wealth of artifacts from the period, the Royal Crown, Royal Armoury, Royal Pharmacy and the world's best collection of Stradivarius violins, rare and priceless antiquities.

Today, the Spanish Royal Family resides in more modest accommodations on the outskirts of town.

While the Palace stands as an enduring icon of the proud Spanish Empire, perhaps there is no image more emblematic of the city of Madrid than the Cybeles.

Named after a Greek goddess, the 200-year-old statue takes pride of place in front of City Hall, in the Plaza de Cibeles.

Helping to solidify its place in the hearts and minds of locals, this fountain is invariably the first stop in any victory celebration, of Real Madrid.

The toast of the town, and indeed the world, Real Madrid are hailed as the greatest football team of the 20th century.

And their loyal supporters often greet them with celebrations that border on hysteria.

Renowned for their passion, the Spanish are almost as passionate about their food as they are their football.

And for the Madrilenes, it's all about tapas.

The history of tapas is surrounded by folklore.

Some say the small servings were the King's idea, born of his penchant for drinking and snacking.

Others claim it was a way to keep stagecoach drivers sober.

Either way, tapa means top.

For the savory snacks renowned the world over, were originally served on a small saucer, sitting on top of a beer.

A fiercely social town, Madrid is the capital of all things fun and the locals love to celebrate the good life.

Gastronomic delights are never far away.

Bookshops serve coffee.

Art galleries stock a full bar.

And nothing here closes early.

The art scene is especially strong.

Its famous galleries house modern and historic art.

Exhibiting works by renowned Spanish artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.

The Spanish National Art Museum, El Prado, is one of the most visited sites on the planet, with good reason.

It houses one of the world's finest collections of Spanish and European art.

Home to major works by Francisco Goya, Diego Velazquez and El Greco, to name a few.

A typically Al Fresco city, Madrid's art is not restricted to the confines of galleries.

The capital is known for its numerous grand plazas, adorned with sculptures and statues that pay homage to Spanish heroes.

Such as the spectacular monument to King Philip the 4th, in the Plaza Oriente.

This celebrated work was born of a collaboration between sculptor, Pietro Tacca, astronomer Galileo, and the artist Diego Velazquez.

The nearby Peurta de Alcala is a grand gate that marks the entrance to Madrid.

Pre-dating the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, this neo-classical monument was the first post-Roman victory arch to be erected in Europe.

Just a few blocks away, is the infamous Plaza de Mayor.

It was once a site of public executions, but today, is a busy Civic Square.

Used to celebrate life with all the passion, zest and flair that the people of this fun-loving city are renowned for.

(dramatic music) Most non-Australians assume Sydney is the capital of Australia, a best second guess might be Melbourne.

But here in the heart of the Australian Capital Territory, a federal district created specifically for the nation's capital, is the humble, beautiful city of Canberra.

Embraced by the wild Brindabella ranges, Canberra is locally known as the Bush Capital.

Two hours from the snow and two hours from the coast, it's an inland city barely 100 years young.

Free from the often-chaotic, organic growth of most urban centers, Canberra is an entirely planned city.

In 1911, the Australian Government held an international competition for the rights to design its new capital.

Despite strong entries from around the world, the honor was afforded to American architects, Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin.

Featuring geometric patterns like circles, hexagons and triangles, the centerpiece of their design was a manmade watercourse, later to be named Lake Burley Griffin.

Over the years, subsequent additions have, by and large, held true to the original design.

Opened in 1988 in celebration of the nation's bicentenary, Parliament House is home to both the upper and lower houses of the Nation's Federal Government.

It's a truly unique building.

Paying homage to the country's original people, its design is representative of two boomerangs, topped by an 81-meter flagpole.

A member of the G20 group of nations, Australia's regional and international influence extends well beyond these grand walls.

Also, bordering Lake Burley Griffin, are a number of Australia's cultural institutions.

The National Gallery houses notable works from Australian and International artists.

Famously, at the time of its acquisition, Jackson Pollock's blue poles was the most expensive art purchase in history.

Paying tribute to the nation's service men and women, the Australian War Memorial, with a commanding position at the foot of Mt Ainslie, is a truly world class institution.

The soil surrounding Canberra is as rich as the capitals culture and well suited to growing quality produce.

Giving rise to numerous boutique wineries and local farms that keep the bustling market and cafe cultures well stocked.

Affectionately known as the Bush Capital, natural reserves abound with native wildlife and kangaroos are daily visitors to the suburbs.

Despite its sprawling layout, planned cycle paths link the city to its surrounds, providing a mode of urban transport and weekend escape.

But living among the trees is not without its dangers.

And summer bush fires are an annual threat.

In 2003, four lives, 500 homes, and the historic Mount Stromlo Research Observatory, were destroyed by a fire storm.

- [Radio] I have flame height, probably over 100 feet.

(mumbling) - [Narrator] Rising from the ashes of this natural disaster, the National Arboretum was established in 2005 to display forests of rare, threatened, and iconic plant species from around the world.

Canberra may be a young city, but the local Ngunnawal people have inhabited the area for thousands of years.

Their history literally written on the walls of the surrounding Namadgi National Park.

- And that's a turtle and that's my mother and father's people here, at the bottom of the kangaroo.

So, my people here and the Namadgi people on the other side of the mountains.

Our culture, our law will always be strong, because this rock art's always going to be here to tell that.

(gentle piano music) - [Narrator] Regarded as one of the world's most livable cities, the architect's vision for Australia's national capital is evident in all aspects of life.

From the award winning design of the Parliamentary triangle, to the world class cultural institutions, to the way in which it incorporates its natural surrounds.

The Bush Capital is as unique as it is great.

(dramatic music) Situated in the northwest of Holland, Amsterdam is the capital and largest city in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Derived from a small 12th century fishing village on the River Amstel, Amsterdam has always had an intimate relationship with water.

The Bay of Ij and the Port of Amsterdam connect the North Sea to Holland and Europe at large, making it one of the busiest maritime trade routes in all of Europe.

The history of the port and Amsterdam as a trading powerhouse, dates back to the 13th century when the Dutch East India company ruled the spice and tea trades between Asia and Europe.

Maintaining its relationship with water, Amsterdam is crisscrossed with a series of canals.

Built in the 1600s during the golden age, these interconnected waterways are a model example of city-planning.

Running in concentric circles around the city, there are 165 canals with a combined length of over 100 kilometers.

They are crossed by thousands of bridges and there are estimated to be over three and a half thousand houseboats bobbing their lucky owners to sleep each night.

With all these canals, at first glance, one might think that most Amsterdammers would paddle their way to work, but the vehicle of choice, is actually the humble bicycle.

There are more bikes than there are people.

Cycling here is more than just a mode of transportation, it's a way of life.

With over a million bikes in the city, it's estimated that as many as 30,000 stolen or discarded cycles end up in the canals each year.

On the face of it, the entire city looks and feels like a fantasy.

But scratch the surface just the tiniest bit and the underbelly quickly reveals itself.

In fact, Amsterdam is world famous for its seedier side.

Not too many towns' red light districts can claim to be tourist attractions on the level of Amsterdam's De Wallen.

But then most cities probably don't have hundreds of prostitutes on display inside their shop windows.

And then there are the coffee shops, where the rich aroma of coffee grinds is drowned out by another pungent smell.

In these cafes, marijuana is high on the menu.

Legally sold in the form of pot cigarettes, hashish and space cakes.

Sweet Mary Jane is alive and well in Amsterdam.

Another Dutch icon that's made its way into the city, is the windmill.

Although they are more prevalent in the farmlands, Amsterdam has adopted it, as a national symbol.

As strange as it may seem, there are eight within the city.

Long-known as a very accepting city, Amsterdam is so multicultural that over 85% of the population speaks at least three languages.

But there was a period when this wasn't so.

Despite its neutral status, German forces invaded the Netherlands and occupied Amsterdam in May 1940.

The majority of the city's Jewish population was deported to Nazi concentration camps.

But not all suffered the same fate.

This is where Anne Frank penned her famous diary, as she hid from the Nazis.

Her stark words immortalizing one of the darkest points in the city's long history.

Now a museum, the building pays homage to a gone, but not forgotten, resident.

Celebrating brighter moments in history, Museum Square is the cultural corner of the city.

The stunning National Museum of the Netherlands, exhibits works by the Dutch greats including Rembrandt.

Van Gogh gets his own museum.

A uniquely a-political capital, Amsterdam's liberal-mindedness, cultural appeal, stunning layout and economic power has earned it a place amongst the world's greatest capitals.

The driving force behind nations, Capital cities set the stage for political stewardship, economic success, and cultural expression.

They serve not only, as the face of a Nation, but often, the heart of an Empire.

These are the world's greatest capital cities.

(dramatic music)