Canberra, Australia

Capital City

With a population of just 473,855, Canberra is a small and highly planned city, built as the nation's capital. While the unemployment rate is low at 4.4% and incomes are relatively high, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache. Canberra's climate features frosty winters, occasional snowfall, and scorching summers, with the city recently recording the world's worst air quality during bushfires. However, it remains one of Australia's safest cities, with low crime rates. Canberra may appeal to public servants, families, and those drawn to its orderly design and wealth of national institutions, but its remoteness and limited entertainment options make it a poor fit for those seeking an urban lifestyle.