NationStates Jolt Archive

As a native New Yorker, I had to ask this: Which city do you think would be the best pick for capital of the world and why?

Edit: please read post 15 as well

Santa's workshop. It must be a bitch to invade THAT place! And surely all the snow jams radar making it the ideal imperial H.Q.!

Just kidding. I'm a New Yorker too, but I try not to be too self centered. A few cities do come close, like London, and Hong Kong (financial capital), but New York has the United Nations.

The capital of the world shouldn't be a city (cities represent that country at best). I think the USA should be the world's capital.

*tries hard to think of saying anything but NYC*

*fails*

((Btw, what part of NYC do you live in?))

Well, for all intents and purposes, the capital must be a real city...

@ C: Upper East Side, near John Jay Park, Manhattan

Just kidding. I'm a New Yorker too, but I try not to be too self centered. A few cities do come close, like London, and Hong Kong (financial capital), but New York has the United Nations.

I don't think HK is too representative of China as the average coastal city in the nearby Guangdong province could match Hong Kong's image. Even HK people agree with that. Because of it's more Western heritage, the USN docks there for R&R.

Just kidding. I'm a New Yorker too, but I try not to be too self centered. A few cities do come close, like London, and Hong Kong (financial capital), but New York has the United Nations.
actually, I was thinking on Antartica myself... reasons? simple, it will have to rely on all other nations for support (thus cannot really screw others over) and there is already a multinational treaty there with other countries on conduct on the continent already. the camps there know, that if emergencies happen, the closest help is the next camp over. reguardless of which country owns that camp.

Pittsburgh! Its a craphole so no one will bother to invade it! :D

In all seriousness though, I do believe that that the capitol of the world should be......


GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

The capital of the world shouldn't be a city (cities represent that country at best). I think the USA should be the world's capital.
Why the hell should the USA be the world's capital, exactly.

I think antartica is bad for obvious reasons, especially:
Difficult/brutal climate
Unable to support large city
etc, etc.

Hungpa, Myanmar

Because it was the first city I found in the atlas. I bet it has some kick ass resort too.

If there WAS a capitel city why in usa? It should be in china/india. they are the worlds largest population centres. If we put it to a vote they win. Or Mt Isa, Australia would be the other logical choice, being the largest city in the world.

EDIT: geneva suits me

Well, for all intents and purposes, the capital must be a real city...

@ C: Upper East Side, near John Jay Park, ManhattanOh, I've been there. It's actually a rather nice place, which surprised me (I used to live on the Upper West Side, lol). I wonder how many other New Yorkers or former New Yorkers there are on this forum?

Seriously...
again, it needs to be a city, don't get bogged down in country disputes...
Besides, theoretically, nationalism has passed on in favor of worldism, so which country is not an issue...

Why the hell should the USA be the world's capital, exactly.

It's the world's mightiest nation in military and economy, also home to the world's leading scientists and engineers. It also prides itself in functioning democracy and freedom. America is a role model nation. With the rising number of illegal immigrants trying to get in, that's enough proof.

Ames, Iowa would be perfect. Don't you agree?

If there WAS a capitel city why in usa? It should be in china/india. they are the worlds largest population centres. If we put it to a vote they win. Or Mt Isa, Australia would be the other logical choice, being the largest city in the world.

EDIT: geneva suits me

Um...What? That's wrong, the largest is tokyo...I have a feeling that's a joke...humor..senses..tingling

If there WAS a capitel city why in usa? It should be in china/india. they are the worlds largest population centres.

They may have the population, their culture and their dwindling resources, but what else do they offer?

Bern, Switzerland. DOnt get me wrong, I love the U.S. but historicaly the Swiss have been internationally neutral when is comes to disputes. It makes sense to have the capital be somewhere that doesn't have a strong bias towords a particular nation or region.

Um...What? That's wrong, the largest is tokyo...I have a feeling that's a joke...humor..senses..tinglingI think in size, s/he meant. Tokyo is the largest only in population (and btw, it would not make a very good world capital, IMNSHO).

Bern, Switzerland. DOnt get me wrong, I love the U.S. but historicaly the Swiss have been internationally neutral when is comes to disputes. It makes sense to have the capital be somewhere that doesn't have a strong bias towords a particular nation or region.

I'm sorry but I strongly disagree. Despite never actively sending an armed force, through economic activities, switzerland can and has acted partially, most notably by surrendering willingly bank accounts of those the nazis opposed

btw, what does imnsho mean?

I'd say it's between
1.Rome - it's got that whole known world spanning empire history going for it, a centre of culture and learning in a stable democratic nation, a solid choice I'd say.
2.Athens - What can I say? The patron city of Democracy, bringer of reason, an ancient seat of learning and philosophy, from a historical perspective, it's an incredibly sweet choice. Also in a stable, democratic nation, and in a location close enough to the East that it might be considered a compromise choice, culturally.
3.Brussels - Hey, just build a wing onto EU HQ, smack a UN sticker on the side, you have a ready-make capital! Belgium has never been an agressor nation, a victim several times yet remained committed to peace(one of the reasons, one can assume, that the EU picked it in the first place), plus it's in a stable democratic nation. And like Rome, a modern and sophisticated city with a touch of culture.
4.New York - The UN's already there. Why the hell not? Maybe they could get that new monument being built where the twin towers were, you know the one that's flicking the rest of the world off! That would be an awesome World Government HQ. Also quite transformable into a dark evil fortress should it go dark side on us. Also, like the above, in a stable nation.

Sadly the world situation today rules out most of the Middle East, an agressive history rules out Japan, and the US would never go for a world capital in the PRC, PRK or DRVietnam. Australia would be cool too, but unlikely. And Africa is too poverty, war, AIDS, violence and everything else torn, it's not gonna happen there. That basically leaves what I said. Or as a cool alternative, build a World City somewhere random... like Greenland! Declare the entire island International territory, bulldoze Godthab, and build an awesome UN city.

London

Ontario, Canada. We were almost the capital of Canada, but we're too close to the states. The crown was worried that you Yanks would invade.
It's a lovely little town... Perfect candidate for a world capital...
I'm going to Hell for that lie. I apologize.

Actually, NYC is the LAST place that should be world capital. The UN is currently headquartered there, and the last think we'd want to do to any new world government is taint it with the legacy of that abomination.

I nominate Geneva, Brussels, London, Tokyo, Jerusalem, Athens, Rome or Constantinople, with Washington, DC as a runner-up. But the best option would be, assuming we had the technology, to build a large space station and house the most important elements of government up there.

Um...What? That's wrong, the largest is tokyo...I have a feeling that's a joke...humor..senses..tingling

I know it sounds wrong, and population wise there are "larger" citys. but for square meters Mt Isa is larger than The State of Texas. So i was told at school.COULD have changed, but i dont think so, tokyo hasnt gotten bigger has it?

I think antartica is bad for obvious reasons, especially:
Difficult/brutal climate
Unable to support large city
etc, etc.
but by bulding a city there (domed pehaps) and having all Nations joining in on the process, you create a city that evey country had a hand in building (would look mighty weird I'll grant you that) and the burden of supporting such a city would fall on the World, not just the country hosting that city... America for NYC, Germany for Brazil etc.

and if building such a city is possible, then terraforming Mars would be a step closer to and it would show that the world can work together.

errr... sorrry... (gets down from soap box and turns off inspiring music.)

I'm sorry but I strongly disagree. Despite never actively sending an armed force, through economic activities, switzerland can and has acted partially, most notably by surrendering willingly bank accounts of those the nazis opposed

btw, what does imnsho mean?
In My Not So Honest Opinion... I think.

Reykjavik

Just because. :p

Who said the world government would be the UN? Just saying. OOH, post 111!

I posted this once and I'll post again:

GENEVA SWITZERLAND

Think people. If there's a world capitol, it has to be a neutral nation. The only neutral planet that we know of is Switzerland. So why not have the world capitol in Geneva.

*capitol of the Earth Alliance in Babylon 5 was Geneva*

The Hague, in the Netherlands (or is it in Belgium?)

It's got the World Court. Yeah, that's the only reason I got.

I'm sorry but I strongly disagree. Despite never actively sending an armed force, through economic activities, switzerland can and has acted partially, most notably by surrendering willingly bank accounts of those the nazis opposed

btw, what does imnsho mean?In My Not-So Humble Opinion, because I have a (justified) reputation of being really conceited.

London

Ontario, Canada. We were almost the capital of Canada, but we're too close to the states. The crown was worried that you Yanks would invade.
It's a lovely little town... Perfect candidate for a world capital...
I'm going to Hell for that lie. I apologize.

A fellow Canadian? Right on. But I still have to mock you mercilessly for being from London. Honestly, what kind of city has a main boulevard named "Wonderland Drive"?

Howzabout a giant orbiting city that moves around from place to place and hovers over wherever the action is? Something like the Death Star but with a big :) painted on the bottom?

It's the world's mightiest nation in military and economy, also home to the world's leading scientists and engineers. It also prides itself in functioning democracy and freedom. America is a role model nation. With the rising number of illegal immigrants trying to get in, that's enough proof.
...uh huh...

Who said the world government would be the UN? Just saying. OOH, post 111!You've got a long way to go young friend...I joined at the same time as you and look at my post count *points*

I posted this once and I'll post again:

GENEVA SWITZERLAND

Think people. If there's a world capitol, it has to be a neutral nation. The only neutral planet that we know of is Switzerland. So why not have the world capitol in Geneva.

*capitol of the Earth Alliance in Babylon 5 was Geneva*
They're not so neutral anymore, they joined the UN a while ago.

I just don't think we have good enough technology to support a world capital in Antartica. Besides, transport is difficult due to the weather, and months of darkness can and has been mentally disturbing to some people. Few scientists stay thier in winter due to this.

...uh huh...
Look! A Non-American who just put down his guard! Let's strip him of his culture and his national identity!

*stamps on forehead*

[AMERICANIZED]

NEXT!

EDIT: This is fun! :D

They're not so neutral anymore, they joined the UN a while ago.

So by joining the UN automatically means they are no longer neutral?

Howzabout a giant orbiting city that moves around from place to place and hovers over wherever the action is? Something like the Death Star but with a big :) painted on the bottom?
We could build something like the ISS, except a space colony and it could orbit the planet and become the capital.

It would have the highest elevation and probably be the most hypoallergenic it would also have the best view and be the only thing to survive a nuclear holocaust.

They may have the population, their culture and their dwindling resources, but what else do they offer?
What has usa got that i want? Better drugdealers? Automatic weapons? No, ANYWHERE but usa suits me.

So by joining the UN automatically means they are no longer neutral?
Well, they joined up with a group of nations...

It's like how Sartre refused the Nobel prize...

What has usa got that i want? Better drugdealers? Automatic weapons? No, ANYWHERE but usa suits me.Stereotyping again, George?

Look! A Non-American who just put down his guard! Let's strip him of his culture and his national identity!

*stamps on forehead*

[AMERICANIZED]

NEXT!

EDIT: This is fun! :D
Her*

And I was born with american citizenship...

Actually, NYC is the LAST place that should be world capital. The UN is currently headquartered there, and the last think we'd want to do to any new world government is taint it with the legacy of that abomination.

I nominate Geneva, Brussels, London, Tokyo, Jerusalem, Rome or Constantinople, with Washington, DC as a runner-up. But the best option would be, assuming we had the technology, to build a large space station and house the most important elements of government up there.

Space station is the best answer i heard yet. But too expensive/dangerous. One accident and our world leaders are breathing vaccum.

Well, they joined up with a group of nations...

It's like how Sartre refused the Nobel prize...

I don't care about the noble prize but just because they have joined the UN doesn't mean they have lost their neutrality.

I have to somewhat agree with Dakani. No nation is perfect, we can all learn from each other. A nation can not, in my opinion, be a rolemodel in every aspect. Once again, leave the nation the city is in out of it.

Her*

And I was born with american citizenship...ROFL!

In My Not So Honest Opinion... I think.

In My Not So Humble Opinion?

What has usa got that i want? Better drugdealers? Automatic weapons? No, ANYWHERE but usa suits me.

The USA has superior scientific research, technology, economy and lastly, weapons.

I don't think NYC fits the bill if it comes down to a city as that's America's crime capital.

Capital of the world?

Are you kidding me? What perfectly idiotic thread.

There are many cities in the world that are large, filled with culture and all of the things that make a city truly great, however, to say that a single culture is greater than another is a differant subject. The capital of the world? Come on. No city on earth is truly 'greater' then another because of what one city lacks, the other has.

The USA has superior scientific research, technology, economy and lastly, weapons.

I don't think NYC fits the bill if it comes down to a city as that's America's crime capital.

For it's size, New york is remarkably safe, and has been for a decade or so

The USA has superior scientific research, technology, economy and lastly, weapons.

I don't think NYC fits the bill if it comes down to a city as that's America's crime capital.

Funny I thought it was Chicago that has that slot and not NYC!

ROFL!
What's so funny?

My parents lived in the states until my dad completed his PhD, they then moved to Canada and started a family. They're american citizens, I was born in Canada, so I get dual citizenship.

Look! A Non-American who just put down his guard! Let's strip him of his culture and his national identity!

*stamps on forehead*

[AMERICANIZED]

NEXT!

EDIT: This is fun! :D

Americanized or not, every one knows that the U.S. is the most powerful country ever.

Look, I never said one city is better. This is purely fictitious. And you're trolling.

All nations have capitals. Is this saying that Washington is better than New York, or Warsaw better than Krakow. No!

Capital of the world?

Are you kidding me? What perfectly idiotic thread.

There are many cities in the world that are large, filled with culture and all of the things that make a city truly great, however, to say that a single culture is greater than another is a differant subject. The capital of the world? Come on. No city on earth is truly 'greater' then another because of what one city lacks, the other has.
Yeah, that's why the only suggestion that can possibly be considered is building a city in space and making that the global capital. There, problem solved.

Funny I thought it was Chicago that has that slot and not NYC!

You're an American, so enlighten me on the subject.

In My Not So Humble Opinion?What I said.

What's so funny?

My parents lived in the states until my dad completed his PhD, they then moved to Canada and started a family. They're american citizens, I was born in Canada, so I get dual citizenship.The fact that Colodia got both your gender and your nationality wrong, in such a self-confident way, too.

Makes you feel sort of sorry for the poor kid :cool:

Yeah, that's why the only suggestion that can possibly be considered is building a city in space and making that the global capital. There, problem solved.

Yeah, let's expand the Intl. Space Station! LOL!

Once again, leave the nation the city is in out of it.
I know it bad to be descriminated against because of your nation of residence, but i would have to pass through usa to get to MY world capital... what if i dont have a usa visa? Am i banned from the world capital?

A fellow Canadian? Right on. But I still have to mock you mercilessly for being from London. Honestly, what kind of city has a main boulevard named "Wonderland Drive"? Everyone in Canada is entitled to mock London, except the residents of Windsor, or "Wee Detroit" as I call it. And it's Wonderland Road, not Drive. I live on it.
We've also got all the good British street names, including but not limited to Pall Mall and Hyman.

Yeah, that's why the only suggestion that can possibly be considered is building a city in space and making that the global capital. There, problem solved.I just love sarcasm, don't you?

I would have to say Rome, Italy.

Why:
Rome has been the "center" of the world for centuries, and was the capital of what can arguabbly be called the greatest empire to ever rule on this Earth. It's history and placement in the world are both excellent reasons for such a choice. For a long time it was also the cultural center of the world.



If not Rome, I'd have to say New York City.


BTW: I'm a native of Beverly Hills, CA, who temporarily resides in Cleveland, OH.

What I said.

The fact that Colodia got both your gender and your nationality wrong, in such a self-confident way, too.

Makes you feel sort of sorry for the poor kid :cool:
Dakini is a guy. Everything that comes out of his mouth are just endless words of conspiracy. ;)

I know it bad to be descriminated against because of your nation of residence, but i would have to pass through usa to get to MY world capital... what if i dont have a usa visa? Am i banned from the world capital?No, it's international territory, so you don't need a visa to enter it.

Seriously! Forget about all the RL stuff and answer the question! :D

Dakini is a guy. Everything that comes out of his mouth are just endless words of conspiracy. ;)If I had to trust one or the other of you, I'd probably go with Dakini, if only because I know your reputation for silliness and acting like a total <long string of expletives deleted>. And don't look at me like that. I've been around, you know.

I vote for Geneva.

It has a main UN office there, as well as the HQ for the World Health Organization, the International Labour Organization, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, the World Meteorological Organization, the World Trade Organization, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, CERN (the world wide web was born here) , the International Organization for Standardization, the World Council of Churches, the World Wide Web Virtual Library, the World Economic Forum and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

(I completely copy and pasted that :P )

With that many world-based organizations (not companies) based out of Geneva, it makes sense to me.

Edit: According to Geneva's site there are many more organizations based there "Geneva plays host to some 190 international organizations " http://www.ville-ge.ch/en/decouvrir/monde/index.htm Of course these could merely be branch offices and not headquarters like the above listed.

If I had to trust one or the other of you, I'd probably go with Dakini, if only because I know your reputation for silliness and acting like a total <long string of expletives deleted>. And don't look at me like that. I've been around, you know.
Didn't buy it then?

How about this then. I was acting on behalf of women everywhere. I now treat them equally to all men. I now call them guys, fellow males, and refer to them as "he, him, or his" :D

And yes, I challenge them to dick-measuring contests. I always win!

I vote for Geneva.
Of all the "Realistic" answers this has impressed me the most. You get my vote.
Geneve cant be worse than some of the other suggestions

Didn't buy it then?

How about this then. I was acting on behalf of women everywhere. I now treat them equally to all men. I now call them guys, fellow males, and refer to them as "he, him, or his" :D

And yes, I challenge them to dick-measuring contests. I always win!Ok, that I can believe... you would do that. Lol!

If we're following the USA principle for capital cities it should be away from the economic and population centres of the country, so that politicians are COMPLETELY OUT OF TOUCH WITH THEIR CONSTITUENCY.

What do, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Seattle, Atlanta, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Houston... well any major US city have in common? None of them are capitals of their state!!

If we're following the European trend, we should be picking the city that is the hub and gravitational centre of the planet. So that would kinda point to New York City. 60% of New Yorkers are from somewhere else. (Myself included... I'm originally from Sydney)

If we're following the USA principle for capital cities it should be away from the economic and population centres of the country, so that politicians are COMPLETELY OUT OF TOUCH WITH THEIR CONSTITUENCY.

What do, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Seattle, Atlanta, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Houston... well any major US city have in common? None of them are capitals of their state!!

If we're following the European trend, we should be picking the city that is the hub and gravitational centre of the planet. So that would kinda point to New York City. 60% of New Yorkers are from somewhere else. (Myself included... I'm originally from Sydney)Beg pardon, but New Jersey is a city? :confused:

:p

Build the capitol in Fucking, Austria, what?
Fucking is a city in Austria and would make a kickass capital.

Okay on a more serious note, New York would probaly be Capitol, UNs there.

I think if you look at this logically, you should find somewhere where "East meets West" - can you imagine many eastern countries being happy with NYC? Or many western countries with HK or similar.

The place for the above has to be Istanbul (Constantinople) in my opinion, since it's really the place where the two cultures meet.

...and Hong Kong (financial capital)...

*takes a bow*
Thank you! :D :D :D

I think if you look at this logically, you should find somewhere where "East meets West" - can you imagine many eastern countries being happy with NYC? Or many western countries with HK or similar.

The place for the above has to be Istanbul (Constantinople) in my opinion, since it's really the place where the two cultures meet.
How about Athens? It was the center of the ancient world and is very cosmopolitan. It doesn't hurt that it's a beautiful city too ... mostly. :)

My vote goes to Jerusalem. It's the spiritual center for three world religions, two of which are probably the biggest. That makes it a very symbolic place in my eyes.

My vote goes to Jerusalem. It's the spiritual center for three world religions, two of which are probably the biggest. That makes it a very symbolic place in my eyes.
Interesting. Declare Jerusalem a free city/state? I rather suspect that would piss off just about everyone, especially the Israelis. :)

Interesting. Declare Jerusalem a free city/state? I rather suspect that would piss off just about everyone, especially the Israelis. :)You think they wouldn't be proud if it was capital of the world? I just feel it has value for the largest amount of people on this planet, so why not?

The capital of the world shouldn't be a city (cities represent that country at best). I think the USA should be the world's capital.




I adree, the world is too big for a city to control it, i also go for USA as the capital

I adree, the world is too big for a city to control it, i also go for USA as the capitalThere wouldn't be a need to control it, just govern it or at least have a symbolic city as the capital (such as Amsterdam for the Netherlands).

As a native New Yorker, I had to ask this: Which city do you think would be the best pick for capital of the world and why?

Edit: please read post 15 as well

None. **** the new world order. We won our own independence you bastard. And we intend to keep it. If you want to live in a NWO, pack your bags and leave the US.

There wouldn't be a need to control it, just govern it or at least have a symbolic city as the capital (such as Amsterdam for the Netherlands).


yeah well, i doubt world peace would happen, everyone will want something

None. **** the new world order. We won our own independence you bastard. And we intend to keep it. If you want to live in a NWO, pack your bags and leave the US.
Did you read anything I said? It's all in good fun. No new world order stuff. I doubt we'll ever have a united Earth, or at least not at any forseeable point in the future. I love my country, despite it's faults. Sheesh, some people can be really dense. :rolleyes:

Build a moving mechanical island at 0,0.

make that the capital of the world. It's the only place that makes sense.

Is Berlin out of the question? :p No seriously, I propose this list of nominations: Chicago, New York, Paris, Toronto, Rome, Alexandria, Istanbul (it's not fucking Constantinople, idiots!!!) but only if Turkey can radically change themselves by the time the NWO occurs, Hong Kong, Geneva or Bern, Singapore, Alexandria, Jerusalem, Mexico City, Santiago.

Build a moving mechanical island at 0,0.

make that the capital of the world. It's the only place that makes sense.


I second!

There is no option in my view: it must be an entirely new city somewhere, preferably somewhere politically neutral.

There are a few examples of a new capital (or an existing town being massively expanded) being chosen because of some impossible choice between existing cities: Canberra being Australia's capital instead of Sydney or Melbourne; Ottawa instead of Toronto or Montreal in Canada; Washington instead of New York, Boston, Philidelphia, or wherever in the US; Brasillia instead of Rio (the once capital) or Sao Paulo (although I'm not sure of the reason Brasillia was built, oh well...).

A fanciful notion: build an artificial island. Have the thing move around the oceans under it's own power, so that it can visit as much of the world over time as is navigable to a artificial island. Regions may claim *temporary* advantage and prestige from a visit, but not for especially long.
Constructing the thing to be large enough to hold a city and having it be able to survive storms may be beyond current technology, though.

Failing that, a new city in Antartica is another option that would be acceptable. And who cares if politicians go nuts from 6 months of darkness? :) Unless they have real power.

Edit: Oops, someone suggested the above while I was typing...

There is no option in my view: it must be an entirely new city somewhere, preferably somewhere politically neutral.

There are a few examples of a new capital (or an existing town being massively expanded) being chosen because of some impossible choice between existing cities: Canberra being Australia's capital instead of Sydney or Melbourne; Ottawa instead of Toronto or Montreal in Canada; Washington instead of New York, Boston, Philidelphia, or wherever in the US; Brasillia instead of Rio (the once capital) or Sao Paulo (although I'm not sure of the reason Brasillia was built, oh well...).

A fanciful notion: build an artificial island. Have the thing move around the oceans under it's own power, so that it can visit as much of the world over time as is navigable to a artificial island. Regions may claim *temporary* advantage and prestige from a visit, but not for especially long.
Constructing the thing to be large enough to hold a city and having it be able to survive storms may be beyond current technology, though.

Failing that, a new city in Antartica is another option that would be acceptable. And who cares if politicians go nuts from 6 months of darkness? :) Unless they have real power.


Washington D.C. is the US capital

Not all of those are airtight examples: D.C was built to be rougly in the center of the colonies, Brasila because it was roughly central/ and was supposed to spur developement.

Washington D.C. is the US capital
That's what isla said.

That's what isla said.


no he/she didnt, they said it would replace the capital

OOC:you said my name instead of his/hers

No they said it IS the US capital!!! Unless you're suggesting Canberra is NOT Australia's capital? Or Brasilia NOT Brazil's?

Sheesh!

Um...What? That's wrong, the largest is tokyo...I have a feeling that's a joke...humor..senses..tingling
I know it sounds wrong, and population wise there are "larger" citys. but for square meters Mt Isa is larger than The State of Texas. So i was told at school. COULD have changed, but i dont think so, tokyo hasnt gotten bigger has it?

Texas has an area of 696,241 km². Mt. Isa, ast 42,904 km², is significantly smaller. (Both figures from http://en.wikipedia.org/.)

And Tokyo isn't even in the top 10 population-wise: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0762524.html

Beg pardon, but New Jersey is a city? :confused:

:p
Whatever you call that conglomeration of Jersey City/Elizabeth/Newark.

As stated by Wikipedia here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largest_cities_of_the_world), Tokyo has the largest metro area. I prefe to use this as cities incorperate far fewer people than the area supports. Thus, greater Mumbai has about 17 MILLION fewer people than greater Tokyo

Washington instead of New York, Boston, Philidelphia, or wherever in the US; Brasillia


He said INSTEAD

He said INSTEAD
Exactly: Washington was chosen INSTEAD of nyc or Phille, Canberra was chosen INSTEAD of Melbourne or Sydney, etc, etc...
Really,no one could actually give the wrong capital for the US, you're reading the post wrong.

According to Wikipedia, there are no less than 9 cities that have been at some time the US capital. Philadelphia (sorry about my prevous spelling) was the US capital 4 different times.
In a similar vein, Canada had 4 different cities as capital before Ottawa, although each of these were before Confederation so these would have been capitals of only what are now Ontario and Quebec. Brazil's very first capital was Salvador, but this was moved to Rio in the 18th century. And for the first 30 years or so of Federation Melbourne acted as capital of Australia - much to the annoyance of Sydney! :)

Another point: with Canberra, Brasilia, and Washington, a separate administrative zone was created along with the city (Australian Capital Territory, Federal District, and District of Columbia respectively), making these areas politically neutral regarding any State governments.

He said INSTEAD
This is getting embaressing

For a world capital they need to find a country willing to lose some territory to a non national zone of land...and really the world is nowhere near needing one because it obviously cant get along with each other very well at all...

maybe when we perfect space travel and we can live on other planets there will be a unified earth...or maybe the rich people will leave to a new virgin utopia and leave the rubbish to rot on this planet..who knows..ha

Well, I suggest it will be the city that acts as the greatest interntional transport hub, i.e. the one which most people pass through, which would make it London (Heathrow has the largest amount of international passengers anually according to here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_busiest_airports_by_international_passenger_traffic) and with Gatwick, Stanstead and City airports too, which collectively give it around 100 million international passengers a year).


Atlanta (83.5 million) and Chicago (75.3 million) have more people but they have a higher amount of domestic flights.

Well, I suggest it will be the city that acts as the greatest interntional transport hub, i.e. the one which most people pass through, which would make it London (Heathrow has the largest amount of international passengers anually according to here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_busiest_airports_by_international_passenger_traffic) and with Gatwick, Stanstead and City airports too, which collectively give it around 100 million international passengers a year).


That is all nice and good when you have lots of countries about the size of my backyard. Remove the EU members and youd probably have a lot smaller number of "international" travelers.

Geneva, Switzerland is a lovely city. And happily, very nice discrete banking locations. Makes for an excellent negotation centric location, don't you think?

Besides, it's the Swiss. They've been known for being neutral for hundreds of years. When exactly was the last time anyone heard of a Swiss scandal, corruption or illegal wiretapping operation of UN offices?

That is all nice and good when you have lots of countries about the size of my backyard. Remove the EU members and youd probably have a lot smaller number of "international" travelers.

So? It's still a hell of a lot of people, and take away domestic flights from atlanta and chicago and they will have a hell of a lot less people too.

and "size of my backyard" not the least bit patronising...no not at all... :rolleyes:

Before we all start garbling on about how N should be capital of the world, first think about this -

Why do we need/want a capital of the world?
What purpose would it serve?
Do they want to be the capital?
Would it be best if it was:
very populated?
the world's centre of travel?
the most luxurious place?
" " rich " ?
Why should it be only us that decides? If this was real, the whole planet should decide.

Once you have a good dollop of reasonable answers to this, (i.e. about twice as long as this) then start worrying about the location. :( :(

Space station is the best answer i heard yet. But too expensive/dangerous. One accident and our world leaders are breathing vaccum.

Considering that the current world leaders are:

George W Bush
Silvio Berlusconi
Vladimir Putin
Jaques Chirac

I don't mind too much

Koizumi
Blair
Schröder
Martin

Could wear gas mask though....

Port Orford, OR.

Damascus - the oldest continuosly inhabited city in the world...

If we're following the USA principle for capital cities it should be away from the economic and population centres of the country, so that politicians are COMPLETELY OUT OF TOUCH WITH THEIR CONSTITUENCY.

What do, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Seattle, Atlanta, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Houston... well any major US city have in common? None of them are capitals of their state!!

If we're following the European trend, we should be picking the city that is the hub and gravitational centre of the planet. So that would kinda point to New York City. 60% of New Yorkers are from somewhere else. (Myself included... I'm originally from Sydney)The Hub and gravitationlal centre of the Planet?

Between USA, EU, India and China....

Probably in Europe...

so I vote with Corneliu.

Could wear gas mask though....

How would a gas mask protect you from exploding from lack of body pressure? Also, how would it protect you from O2 deprivation (gas masks don't supply O2!) or CO2 poisoning? Gas masks filter the air (non-existent in space) so that the wearer doesn't breathe in offensive gases from bombs.

BUT the space-station idea is brilliant -
but expensive, serving a relitavely small purpose.

Gravity for the space station possible:
The station could be like a huge, ring, donut, that spins. The centrifugal force would pull objects to wall furthest from the hole in the centre of the station.

Considering that the current world leaders are:

George W Bush
Silvio Berlusconi
Vladimir Putin
Jaques Chirac

I don't mind too much

Koizumi
Blair
Schröder
Martin

Could wear gas mask though....Wouldn't mind Schröder going, cause then Joscka Fischer would become Chancellor! Schröder is seriously a Putin ass-kisser.

We could do what South Africa and other nations do, and have three capitals, one for each branch of the government. That way, people around the world would be slightly less upset with being ruled from some faraway city.

In terms of sheer size and relevance, I would recommend Tokyo, New York, London, Paris, Bombay, Shanghai, Calcutta, Delhi, Moscow, Mexico City, Seoul, Moscow, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Istanbul, Beijing, Bangkok, Lagos, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Los Angeles, Sydney, Rome, Jerusalem, Damascus, Athens, Caracas....

HAAAAHAAAAHAAAA!

Capital sounds a bit like Capitalism!

HAAAAHAAAAHAAAA!

We could do what South Africa and other nations do, and have three capitals, one for each branch of the government. That way, people around the world would be slightly less upset with being ruled from some faraway city.

In terms of sheer size and relevance, I would recommend Tokyo, New York, London, Paris, Bombay, Shanghai, Calcutta, Delhi, Moscow, Mexico City, Seoul, Moscow, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Istanbul, Beijing, Bangkok, Lagos, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Los Angeles, Sydney, Rome, Jerusalem, Damascus, Athens, Caracas....

You might as well list all the existing capitals in the world - Isn't this a bit like having country capitals rather than a single, world capital? Which is slightly against the spirit of things...

Anyway, I'm still for the space-station idea.

You might as well list all the existing capitals in the world - Isn't this a bit like having country capitals rather than a single, world capital? Which is slightly against the spirit of things...

Anyway, I'm still for the space-station idea.

A fair amount of those were not their nations' capitals. And it was just a list to choose from. I wasn't recommending them ALL.

Just kidding. I'm a New Yorker too, but I try not to be too self centered. A few cities do come close, like London, and Hong Kong (financial capital), but New York has the United Nations.

Which most of you don't want. There are other, and some would say better choices, London, Paris, Geneva, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, The Hauge, Rome

Interesting. Declare Jerusalem a free city/state? I rather suspect that would piss off just about everyone, especially the Israelis. :)
In theory, Jerusalem is a free city -- under the 1947 Partition plan it was supposed to be a UN-adminestered corpus separatum. Not that anyone in Israel and Palestine accepts that, though... But in theory Jerusalem is an ideal place for the capital of the world, if we are to follow that plan.

Despite some practicalities I dont think the USA or any city in it should be Capital. I think too much of the world dislikes America, it needs to be a place of power and economy that people actually like. London or Hong Kong could be.

I don't care about the noble prize but just because they have joined the UN doesn't mean they have lost their neutrality.


NOBEL PRIZE! Not Noble Prize.
The Swedish population i laughing their head
off while Alfred Nobel turns around in his grave.

As i live near Adelaide i have no patriotic vote so...

London or New York....

A world capital should have a modicum of representation from around the world.

Therefore...it would have to be New York, or London.

Has enyone mentioned Amsterdam :D

Has enyone mentioned Amsterdam :D

Not without being high on its national pasttime no :D

Um...What? That's wrong, the largest is tokyo...I have a feeling that's a joke...humor..senses..tingling

Mexico City, shurely? About 2,000,000 more residents there than in Tokyo.

I am basing my judgement on the 'Capital of The World' on the following premise:

If I were a conquering force from another world and I had to shock Earth and all it's citizens by eradicating one Earth city with a giant meteor, I would choose Paris. Why? Well, It is a prominent world city. It is a cultural and artistic center. It has some of the oldest and most culturally recognizeable architecture on the planet. And probably most importantly, it has fared surprisingly well disasterwise. Even London had a major fire.

So that's why I think Paris is probably deserving of the title; Earth's Capital.

P.S. My second choice would be Rome.

Seriously...
again, it needs to be a city, don't get bogged down in country disputes...
Besides, theoretically, nationalism has passed on in favor of worldism, so which country is not an issue...

Well I think it would be a good idea to make it so that its not a city that already is a capital, somewhere like Manchester or Birmningham for example. Citys which are seriously developed but not capitals.

Ummm, tough choice, I would say it would have to be an ancient city, one with lots of history. Maybe Rome or London or Paris, maybe Jerusalem. Or maybe an asian city like Tokio.

The capital of the world should be the most run down and impoverished city on earth. This city should also host all international organizations such as the World Bank, UN, World Court etc.. All historical landmarks all over the world should be relocated to this city. An Olympics should be held in this city every 2 weeks and no where else. All religious leaders should be based in this city. This capital status should fall to any other city which becomes worse than the current capital.

Perth, Western Australia

1) Most isolated city in the world

2) Something interesting needs to happen here eventually

3) Invasion would be completely pointless , the invaders would come , conquer , get bored out of their minds and eventually go home or open a fish and chip shop

4) Any country with the ability to destroy the planet should be immediately eliminated from the list of potential capital of the world

5)Aussies are fun , we prefer cricket to fighting ..Sydney olympics was a blast for anyone who was there ...we settle arguments over a beer or with a bit of a punch up ...rarely ruffle anyones feathers

6)The enormous amount of souvenire shops here would have an entirely new range of t shirts to sell .... I went to the capital of the world and all I bought home was this lousy shirt ...and a kick ass suntan

7)The beaches are awesome , the locals dont bite (except the odd shark but thems the breaks when you swim with the fishes)

8)Its mostly sunny ....that should simply put be the absolute determining factor in capital of the world ...imagne the news ...and today in the capital of the world its cold and wet and dull for the 268th consecutive day ...no absolutely not the capital needs to be sunny and cheerful

9) If Perth were the capital of the world then maybe at least we could get a new entertainment centre and some bands might bother to visit ..or not , things dont really have to change

Any votes for Paris so far? The cultural capital of the world, "centrally" located and easy access with most major cities of the world.

London is not a bad choice either. Should be a major city from Eurpoe for various reasons.

London, or New York

I have found the island to turn into the world capital, it's unclaimed, it's hot, it's beautiful and noone has claims or rights to it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malden_Island

Failing that an existing city that everyone in the world can look up to? Sounds impossible, however I think it needs to be outside America for starters, as the world would just view it as another AMerican thing.

But also somewhwere America likes.

Mmm. This leads me to Scotland. Euopeans and Americans both like it, and theres little international hatred of Scotland (unlike every other country in Europe and North America). So maybe Edinburgh??

I have found the island to turn into the world capital, it's unclaimed, it's hot, it's beautiful and noone has claims or rights to it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malden_Island

Failing that an existing city that everyone in the world can look up to? Sounds impossible, however I think it needs to be outside America for starters, as the world would just view it as another AMerican thing.

But also somewhwere America likes.

Mmm. This leads me to Scotland. Euopeans and Americans both like it, and theres little international hatred of Scotland (unlike every other country in Europe and North America). So maybe Edinburgh??
re draw the border make berwick independant and we'll have that.

Why would you want berwick inderpendent?

Why would you want berwick inderpendent?
What ever as long as it wasn't full of pedants.

What ever as long as it wasn't full of pedants.
? WTF

Geneva is a spectacular choice. Neutral and already has so many of the world's diplomatic offices.

Otherwise it should of course be Beijing - it makes sense that the country with the highest number of inhabitants gets to have the capital of the world - one in five persons is after all Chinese.

What we should do is build a giant offshore platform in the middle of the Atlantic, and build a city on it. We could also do it in the pacific, but nah. If that fails, we can just locate the capital in Toronto. We've probably got the space, just put all the international stuff in one of the buroughs, like Etobikoke. Not only that, but we have a really tall tower.(would make a dandy flag pole) :D

C'mon, you know Canada would be a good choice.

The Cap of the world is DC

The USA has superior scientific research, technology, economy and lastly, weapons.

Those don't strike me as the outstanding criteria for world capital selection. Besides, when I think of technology, Japan comes to mind way before the USA.

My vote for world capital goes to Rotterdam.

There is really only one place that could be the world capitol. Sealand.

There is 0% tax, there is no crime whatsoever, it is guarded by russian mercenaries. Their claim is that they are "the free world, just milliseconds away". Peoples, take a look at the ultimate world capitol:
http://www.janvaneyck.nl/~sealand/sealand.jpg

That flat top of the building is a helipad, to the left you can see a cannon used to blow ships up. This, coupled with the russian mercenaries would make it a safe place for the world leaders, just use the space on the right side to make some anti-aircraft weaponry and hey presto.

There are also three other platforms like this. There could be a linked-capitol, using all four, and each one could take care of different issues. You know it makes sense.

I like the idea of the platform in the middle of the ocean. It could be built at Lat 0, Lon 0. That'd be appropriate.

Failing that, the invading aliens will see that a proper place be selected.

Why is a large population required?

Why does that somehow make a city great?

I think cities like Geneva, Ottawa, Edinburgh, Copenhagen, Canberra would be better than overcrowded cess pits like NYC.

Istanbul (it's not fucking Constantinople, idiots!!!)

Someone here needs to go back and check their history books :D

Which most of you don't want. There are other, and some would say better choices, London, Paris, Geneva, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, The Hauge, Rome

Actually, removing the UN from our soil DOES NOT have the majority opinion. The people who want this is in the minority.

Anywhere BUT the US...

Geneva, Rome, Athens, or Sydney :D

We could do what South Africa and other nations do, and have three capitals, one for each branch of the government. That way, people around the world would be slightly less upset with being ruled from some faraway city.
Then you could go to the government office in Seattle to get a seal for your permit and be told "sorry, this is for Kuala Lumpur." :D

I say it needs to be an isolated city to keep the burocrats and politicans away from everyone's hair. The capital city will also have to include a giant lazer tag room for the wars and such.

:fluffle: [DOTTENDORFDOTTENDORF is the home of HARIBO- it is small, inncocent, unspoilt, unknown but in everybodies mouth.... :fluffle:

Haribo: is that the robotic dog thingy?

Seriously...
again, it needs to be a city, don't get bogged down in country disputes...
Besides, theoretically, nationalism has passed on in favor of worldism, so which country is not an issue...

I totally agree. Thats why I suggest Prague. It is dead center in the middle europe making it so it takes no more 2 hours to get there from anywhere on the continent. Also, Prague is not very developed, allowing major construction to begin and isolating the capital from the clogged motorways of the other major cities of the world. and is most likely the most beautiful city in all of Europe. Having been to all of the western European countries and some of the eastern too, Prague is by far the jewel of Europe and we could treat it as so as the jewel of the world. besides, everything is cheaper there because they don't use the Euro

Which city do you think would be the best pick for capital of the world and why?
Athens, Baghdad, Xi'an...It's where our world started...

Geneva, San Francisco, or Underwater. Three of the hardest places to invade in the world ^_^

Three of the hardest places to invade in the world
Presumably, if it is the capital of the world, the only people who'd want to invade it have flying saucers, and then it really doesn't matter how hard a place is to invade...

Presumably, if it is the capital of the world, the only people who'd want to invade it have flying saucers, and then it really doesn't matter how hard a place is to invade...

But what if there was a world-civil-war?

London perhaps- Large, historical, base of power, unconquered, unbowed, already extremely vital.

Or New York- Large, base of wealth and power, already HQ of the United Nations, instantly recognizable.


Or maybe Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad)- It cannot be taken, and its reputation as a bastion would make it the ultimate fortress city, that or Moscow...also, very far from any access points by an invader.

I think it should be London. Or maybe... no, that's it.

MIAMI, FLORIDA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! is the NUMBER 1 drug captial of the world. :D

As a native New Yorker, I had to ask this: Which city do you think would be the best pick for capital of the world and why?

Edit: please read post 15 as well

New York City is the one and only CITY in the world. Everything else is just a large town... :)

(Yes I live in NY, Mount Vernon now [on the brdr of the Bx but moving to the Bx soon])

As a native New Yorker, I had to ask this: Which city do you think would be the best pick for capital of the world and why?

Edit: please read post 15 as well

Seems to me you are putting the cart before the horse. Before picking a world capital you might want to see what is still standing because you are going to have one hell of a fight on your hand when you want to enforce your world government stuff on nations that are smart enough to know better.

Orange County, California, United States.

Why?

Because of several reasons.

1) There is a LOT of undeveloped land here that could be used to construct the facilities needed to govern the world.

2) We have a large and diverse ethnic population. You name it, there's a community of 'em somewhere in Orange County.

3) Ratha loves numbered posts.

4) We're already basically multi-lingual, due to number 2.

5) Los Angeles is just north of us. Woo.

6) Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are here, so the delegates can go have fun after the meetings.

7) San Diego is an hour and a half drive, LA is an hour drive, San Fran is a six hour drive, and Las Vegas is a five and a half hour drive.

8) I'm going to make Orange County the capital after I take over the world, anyhow.

They're not so neutral anymore, they joined the UN a while ago.


- LOL -

Dublin , Republic of Ireland , cause i live there or Rome , Italia cause of the history and its so nice , . also like the swiss we are neutral so dublin it is then

my vote is for; Leeuwarden, Friesland (Netherlands).

Only until last page did someone mention San Francisco? Many have mentioned New York as the location of the UN building, but not the city where the UN was founded. I'd say San Francisco before New York.

Also, Vancouver, Canada. Copenhagen, Denmark. Reykjavik, Iceland. Zurich, Switzerland.

Space station is the best answer i heard yet. But too expensive/dangerous. One accident and our world leaders are breathing vaccum.

What a pity ... :D :D :D :D

If there WAS a capitel city why in usa? It should be in china/india
EDIT: geneva suits me

Yeah. You're right (50% right, that is), as long as you, remove"/india" from that. Over the past 40 years China's economic strength has grown at a faster pace than any other nation/kingdom/empire in the history of humanity. At their current rate (I don't know the exact statistics) their population is growing twice as fast as their economy which may force them to become more of a competitive nation, involving themselves more deeply into global affairs, relaxing communist control, allowing for more environmentally-friendly laws, better water management and more socially progressive political policy. These changes, which have been ever-so-slightly introduced into the lives of the world's most populous nation's citizens, include a decision 2 years ago to allow married couples to have more than one child, and building high-rise, government-funded apartment buildings to ease the burden of the nonstop influx of immigrants. All of this political change could put China ahead of the world as the largest economic and militaristic superpower. So therefore, I vote for the U.S. Oh, and China is desperately (even salaciously) in love with the automobile, and with their lax environmental laws (specifically air quality) they manage to float their toxins into our air, making them the fastest-growing and soon to be #1 polluter in the world in less than ten years.

If there WAS a capitel city why in usa? It should be in china/india. they are the worlds largest population centres. If we put it to a vote they win. Or Mt Isa, Australia would be the other logical choice, being the largest city in the world.

EDIT: geneva suits me

i think you were right the first time, it should either be lhasa tibet or katmandu nepal.