ACT (Australia): Australian Capital Territory – Home of Canberra

ACT = Australian Capital Territory – one of 8 states/territories, created 1911 as federal district (like DC, USA).

Key Facts

• Capital: Canberra (planned city, Griffin design)
• Area: 2,358 km² (890 sq mi) – small, landlocked in NSW
• Population: ~460,000 (2023)
• Government: Self-governing (Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister); federal representation (2 Senators, 3 Reps – Bean, Canberra, Fenner)
• Economy: Public admin, defense, education, tech, tourism – GDP ~$40B

Landmarks

• Parliament House (old & new)
• Australian War Memorial
• National Gallery, Library, Museum, Archives
• Questacon (science centre)
• Lake Burley Griffin (central)
• Namadgi National Park (alps, 46% of ACT)

Unique Status

• Only inland territory (no coast)
• Highest point: Mt Coree (1,421 m) – *not* Kosciuszko (that's NSW)
• No local government (municipal) – territory performs both roles

Designed as compromise between Sydney & Melbourne. "Bush capital" by design.