You can find the ten countries of North and Central America. Now let us add their capitals. A capital is the city where a country's government meets. It is often, but not always, the biggest city.
| Country | Capital |
|---|---|
| Canada | Ottawa |
| United States | Washington, D.C. |
| Mexico | Mexico City |
| Belize | Belmopan |
| Guatemala | Guatemala City |
| Honduras | Tegucigalpa |
| El Salvador | San Salvador |
| Nicaragua | Managua |
| Costa Rica | San José |
| Panama | Panama City |
Key idea
Learn the three big ones first: Ottawa (Canada), Washington, D.C. (United States) and Mexico City (Mexico). Three Central American capitals almost share their country's name: Guatemala City, San Salvador (El Salvador) and Panama City.
Why it works
Countries choose capitals for many reasons, not for size. Ottawa was picked in the 1850s partly because it sat between the English-speaking and French-speaking parts of the country. Belize moved its capital inland to Belmopan in 1970, after a hurricane badly damaged Belize City on the coast.
Worked example: A name that helps
What is the capital of Panama?
- Panama's capital has the country's name in it.
- It is Panama City, on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal.
Answer: Panama City.
Worked example: Biggest city or capital?
Is Toronto the capital of Canada?
- Toronto is Canada's largest city.
- But the government meets in Ottawa, on the Ottawa River.
Answer: No. The capital is Ottawa.
Common mistake
People often say Toronto for Canada or New York for the United States, because those are the famous big cities. The capitals are Ottawa and Washington, D.C. A good habit: when a capital comes to mind fast, ask "Is that the capital, or just the biggest city?"